Under the leadership of Fadil Arifi, the Kosovo National Karate Federation has been recognised by the ruling Executive Committee of the World Karate Federation (WKF).

It follows the decision earlier this month by the International Olympic Committee to give Kosovo full membership. 

The recognition to the WKF comes after Kosovo complied with the necessary formalities and follows the existing procedures for application of new members.

It grants the Federation full entitlement to participate in all official WKF events.

It is expected that Kosovo will attend the upcoming Karate1 Premier League event that will be held in Paris on January 24 and 25 next year. 

The WKF expects Kosovo to compete at the European Karate Federation Junior Junior and Cadet and 7th Under-21 Championships in Zurich in February ©Getty Images



The WKF also expects Kosovo to compete at the European Karate Federation Junior Junior and Cadet and 7th Under-21 Championships in Zurich on February 6 until 8. 

"Both Paris and Zurich will be excellent opportunities for Kosovo to integrate in the international level WKF events and position themselves for future championships among the other NF members," the WKF saidin a statement.

"The WKF family has confidence that the Kosovo NF will develop over the coming months and years until reaching its full membership, to the benefit of the sport of Karate in Kosovo, but also in the region and within the WKF."

The decision also means that Kosovo will be able to compete in the first-ever European Games in Baku between June 12 and 28, where karate is one of only two non-Olympic sports on the programme. 

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