The Emirates News Agency reported that Nasser Al-Rozouqi secured re-election at the World Karate Federation Ordinary Congress, where member federations selected the new executive committee for the term ahead. Al-Rozouqi, who has served as second vice president since 2022, continues in a role that includes oversight of development across Asia and beyond. The outcome underscores the UAE’s prominent standing within the international governing body for the sport.
Al-Rozouqi also heads the Asian Karate Federation and the UAE Karate Federation, according to the World Karate Federation’s published leadership listings. In June 2026, he hosted WKF President Antonio Espinós in Dubai to review karate’s worldwide status and explore avenues for further growth, the federation stated. Those discussions focused on Olympic pathways and cooperation among national bodies to broaden participation.
The World Karate Federation counts 201 member federations and represents more than 100 million practitioners, its official records show. Established in 1970 as the World Union of Karate-do Organizations before adopting its current name in 1992, the organization received International Olympic Committee recognition in 1999. Karate made its Olympic debut under WKF auspices at the Tokyo 2020 Games, though subsequent inclusion has required sustained advocacy.
Al-Rozouqi attended the Olympic Council of Asia General Assembly in Tashkent in January 2026, where the body elected new leadership and he conveyed the Asian Karate Federation’s commitment to collaboration, WKF reports indicated. WKF President Antonio Espinós commended his efforts in strengthening the sport’s profile across the continent. Such involvement aligns with the federation’s aim to position karate as a fixture in major multi-sport events, including the 2026 Asian Games.
The WKF executive committee manages implementation of congress directives and develops programs for competitions, training and expansion, according to the federation’s governance outline. Al-Rozouqi’s re-election provides continuity as the body prepares for upcoming world championships and initiatives targeting youth and para-karate. The UAE has hosted multiple WKF events in recent years, contributing to the sport’s logistical and promotional advancement.
Ongoing work by the leadership includes coordination with continental federations to standardize rules and elevate technical standards worldwide, the organization has noted in its updates. With Al-Rozouqi’s continued service, the WKF maintains a leadership team experienced in both administrative and competitive aspects of karate. The congress in Istanbul also addressed preparations for future global calendars and Olympic-related objectives.
