WKF President Antonio Espinós, centre, met with National Federation leaders ©WKF

World Karate Federation (WKF) President Antonio Espinós held meetings with several National Federations at the Islamic Solidarity Games in Baku as he seeks to increase cooperation in the sport.

The Spaniard attended the two days of karate competition at the multi-sport event, which finished yesterday and saw the host nation end top of the medals table.

Azerbaijan finished the two days will a tally of nine medals, which included five gold, two silver and two bronze.

Espinós used his meetings to express the importance of unity and cohesion.

Uzbekistan's Alamjon Mullaev, Iran's Sadegh Faraji, Saudi Arabia's Ibrahim M. Algannas, Mohamed Jahangir of Pakistan and Turkey's Esat Delihasan were among the Presidents to meet the WKF head.

Hosts Azerbaijan were represented by their National Federation President Yashar Bashirov.

Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev joined WKF President Antonio Espinós for the competition ©WKF
Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev joined WKF President Antonio Espinós for the competition ©WKF

The WKF said all the karate leaders agreed on the necessity to work even more closely together.

They claim that by building on the cooperation which has already been developed, the sport will be able to grow.

Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev was welcomed to karate competition by Espinós, as the host nation’s athletes continued to impress.

Karate will make its Olympic debut at Tokyo 2020.