Egyptian Karate Federation President Mohamed Mahrous El dahrawy spoke of his delight at securing the hosting rights for the 2025 Karate World Senior Individual Championships ©ITG

Cairo in Egypt has been awarded the 2025 Karate World Senior Individual Championships following a vote at the World Karate Federation (WKF) Congress here today.

The WKF Executive Committee agreed to put forward the Egyptian Karate Federation’s application for approval at today’s meeting staged at the Danubius Hotel Hélia in Budapest.

Members voted overwhelming in favour of Cairo holding the tournament in two years’ time.

It was also approved by the WKF Congress that French capital Paris will host the qualification phase which will determine who will compete in Cairo.

Egypt will stage the WKF’s flagship event for the second time after Cairo played host in 1988.

This year’s tournament in Budapest features both the team and individual competitions before they are split into two World Championships from next year.

The WKF Congress voted overwhelmingly in favour of Cairo staging the 2025 Karate World Senior Individual Championships ©ITG
The WKF Congress voted overwhelmingly in favour of Cairo staging the 2025 Karate World Senior Individual Championships ©ITG

Pamplona in Spain is set to host the World Senior Team Championships in 2024 before Cairo holds the World Senior Individual Championships the following year.

Speaking after the meeting, Egyptian Karate Federation President Mohamed Mahrous El dahrawy praised the WKF for entrusting Cairo with the responsibility of staging the event.

"We are very happy and grateful to be awarded the World Championships," El dahrawy told insidethegames.

"Egypt is one of the best four countries in the world and we are participating in both the Para karate and the able-bodied competitions.

"From now until 2025, we are organising the Premier League in April next year and then again at the same time the following year and we will host the Mediterranean Championships in 2025.

"These tournaments are all important for us to prepare for the 2025 World Championships."

Only Japan bettered Egypt’s performance at the last World Championships staged in Dubai in 2021.

Egypt finished with eight medals, including three golds, two silvers and three bronzes, with Ahlam Youssef, Youssef Badawy and the kumite team all crowned champions.