ArmInfo. The European Karate Championship among adults will be held for the first time in Yerevan at the Karen Demirchyan Sports and Concert Complex from May 7 to 11.
As ArmInfo was informed by the press service of the organizers of the 60th championship, about 1,000 athletes from 54 countries are expected to participate. The President of the World and European Karate Federation (WKF) Antonio Espinos, as well as a number of other high-ranking officials from different countries, will arrive in Yerevan to participate in the championship.
Holding the championship in Yerevan, according to the source, is aimed at stimulating sports tourism, promoting Armenia as a tourist destination and developing karate culture at the local level. The President of the Armenian Karate Federation Vazgen Harutyunyan said that elections for a new leadership of the European Karate Federation will also be held in the capital.
"This is a historic opportunity for our country to take a stronger position in the international karate community. This will be the start of another major event, as it is confirmed that the European Championship among juniors, youth and boys under 21 will also be held in Yerevan in 2027," Harutyunyan emphasized. In turn, Antonio Espinos added that the decision to hold the European Karate Championship among adults in Yerevan testifies to the growth and popularization of this sport in all European countries. "It also means that karate is inclusive and comprehensive, inspiring both athletes and fans around the world," the President of the European Karate Federation concluded.