A new National Training and Development Centre of Karate has been officially opened in the Moroccan city of Rabat ©WKF

A new National Training and Development Centre of Karate has been officially opened in the Moroccan city of Rabat in a bid to grow the sport in the African country. 

The ceremony was attended by a host of dignitaries, including World Karate Federation (WKF) President Antonio Espinós and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan.

International Olympic Committee (IOC) vice-president Nawal El-Moutawakel of Morocco was also in attendance at the event, along with Royal Moroccan Federation of Karate and Associated Disciplines (FRMKDA) President Mohamed Mouktabil.

The Centre features modern infrastructure and it is hoped it will become the main hub for karate in Morocco.

The visiting delegation were given a tour of the various facilities at the Centre before they were treated to a demonstration of the kata discipline by members of the Moroccan national team.

“It is an impressive centre for karate and for sports in general,” Espinós said.

“I had the opportunity to witness the construction progress of this centre for the past 10 years, and it is quite remarkable that these facilities have seen the light, thus offering a great potential for the development of sport and the development of karate.

“This centre represents an outstanding legacy for future generations, and the world of karate could never thank FRMKDA President Mr Mohamed Mouktabil enough for his efforts and dedication towards the realisation of these groundbreaking facilities.”

The visiting dignitaries were given a demonstration of the kata discipline by members of the Moroccan national team
Visiting dignitaries were given a demonstration of the kata discipline by members of the Moroccan national team ©WKF

The opening of the facility in Rabat comes as part of the WKF’s bid to spread the sport worldwide as it continues to press its case for inclusion on the Olympic programme at Tokyo 2020. 

Baseball and softball, karate, skateboarding, sport climbing and surfing were all recommended for inclusion by Japanese organisers last September.

Final approval must be given by the IOC at its Session in Rio de Janeiro in August/

The next step will be made when the IOC Programme Commission make a proposal to the IOC Executive Board for discussion at its meeting due to take place in Lausanne from June 1 to 4.

Africa is an area the WKF are particularly keen on developing as many of its countries often struggle to attend their competitions due to lack of funding.