WKF President Antonio Espinós , left, congratulates Nasser Alrarazooqi on being elected President of the Asian Karate Federation ©WKF

Antonio Espinós, President of the World Karate Federation, attended a momentous Extraordinary Congress of the Asian Karate Federation (AKF) in Tashkent as it elected a new President, Nasser Alrazooqi, and re-constituted its Executive Committee.

Alrazooqi, who heads the National Federation of the United Arab Emirates and was previously vice-president of the AKF, will serve for the period 2019-2023.

On the eve of 16th edition of the Asian Championships in the Uzbekistan capital, a new AKF Executive Committee was also established.

Major Gen Nasser Al Sayed Abdulrazak Alrazooqi, to give him his full title, is considered as one of the founders of the sports movement in UAE and is a current member of the National Olympic Committee of the Emirate nation.

He replaced Chinese Taipei's Kuang-Huei Chang.

"I would like to congratulate Mr Alrazooqi for his election as the new AKF President," said Espinós.

World Karate Federation President Antonio Espinós is pictured fifth from left at the Asian Karate Federation Extraordinary Congress, with newly-elected AKF President Nasser Alrazooqi, centre, WKF general secretary Toshihisa Nagura, fourth from left, and other AKF officials ©WKF
World Karate Federation President Antonio Espinós is pictured fifth from left at the Asian Karate Federation Extraordinary Congress, with newly-elected AKF President Nasser Alrazooqi, centre, WKF general secretary Toshihisa Nagura, fourth from left, and other AKF officials ©WKF

Espinós added: "He has contributed greatly to the magnificent progress of the sport in the last years, not only in Asia but all over the world."

“He has also played a crucial role in all the success that our discipline has achieved over the years.

“I am sure that with his leadership and strong commitment, our sport will continue setting new standards of excellence.

“I wish him all the best at the helm of the AKF.”

Following Alrazooqi’s election, the newly-formed AKF Executive Committee undertook its first meeting with the participation of the WKF President.

The new composition of the decision-making body of the Continental Federation was presented, and the roadmap for the new period was established.