WKF President Antonio Espinós (second from left) has visited the headquarters of the San Marino NOC ©WKF

World Karate Federation (WKF) President Antonio Espinós has visited the headquarters of the San Marino National Olympic Committee (SMNOC) and its President Gian Primo Giardi.

The meeting was regarded as an opportunity to discuss karate in the region, as well as the possible inclusion of the sport at the 2021 Games of the Small States of Europe. 

Also in attendance were the SMNOC secretary general Eros Bologna, San Marino Martial Arts Federation President Maurizio Mazza, vice-president Claudio Giuliani and Small States of Europe Karate Federation (SSEKF) President Andreas Vasileiou. 

A biennial multi-sport event, the Games of the Small States of Europe features Andorra, Cyprus, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro and San Marino.

The state of karate in the region was discussed during the meetings ©WKF
The state of karate in the region was discussed during the meetings ©WKF

'Small states' are those that have had a population of less than one million inhabitants for the past three years.

This year's edition of the event will be held in San Marino between May 29 and April 3, with Montenegro hosting in capital Podgorica in 2019.

Andorra will host in 2021. 

The SSEKF is a newly formed federation under the WKF, and has already organised international championships for the small states.