The 2016 Karate World Championships got underway tonight in Linz, Austria with the Opening Ceremony ©ITG

"Photo_Gallery"

The first part of the Opening Ceremony involved the athletes parading through the arena with their national flags ©WKF
The first part of the Opening Ceremony involved the athletes parading through the arena with their national flags ©WKF
One of tonight's musical themes was representative of Austria and more specifically Upper Austria, the region in which Linz sits ©WKF
One of tonight's musical themes was representative of Austria and more specifically Upper Austria, the region in which Linz sits ©WKF
Four dancers then performed a routine to various pieces of traditional Austrian music ©WKF
Four dancers then performed a routine to various pieces of traditional Austrian music ©WKF
Earlier today World Karate Federation President Antonio Espinós was re-elected to his position for a six-year term at the governing body's Congress ©WKF
Earlier today World Karate Federation President Antonio Espinós was re-elected to his position for a six-year term at the governing body's Congress ©WKF
President Antonio Espinós received 79 votes out of a possible 82 at the Congress ©WKF
President Antonio Espinós received 79 votes out of a possible 82 at the Congress ©WKF
Austrian singer George Nußbaumer performed three songs in what the hosts called
Austrian singer George Nußbaumer performed three songs in what the hosts called "a perfect example of the spirit and power of the mind" ©WKF
WKF President Antonio Espinós finished his speech by officially declaring the 2016 Karate World Championships open ©WKF
WKF President Antonio Espinós finished his speech by officially declaring the 2016 Karate World Championships open ©WKF
Proceedings then drew to a close with the official song of the Karate World Championships, aptly titled
Proceedings then drew to a close with the official song of the Karate World Championships, aptly titled "WeAreKarate" by Andie Gabauer ©WKF
Following the conclusion of the Opening Ceremony athletes are now raring to go ahead of the start of action tomorrow ©WKF
Following the conclusion of the Opening Ceremony athletes are now raring to go ahead of the start of action tomorrow ©WKF