The Spaniard also told EFE  that he hopes to be elected to lead the world governing body for the next six years at the WKF Congress in Linz later this month.

Continuing to make karate a "major force" in international sport was hailed as a major priority.

To do this, Espinós wishes to expand flagship international competitions, such as the Karate1 Premier League.

But, building on the success of being among five sports added to Tokyo 2020 at the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session in Rio de Janeiro in August was cited as his foremost focus.

"This should be just the beginning for what we believe that our sport deserves," he told EFE in an interview designed to improve media awareness of karate.

"This will be my message to the 191 National Federations who must now fight for better funding.

"We have given the ideal instrument - that is the Olympics."

Karate was added alongside baseball and softball, skateboarding, sport climbing and surfing, predominantly due to its popularity in Japan.

A separate inclusion process will be opened for the 2024 Games.

Budapest, Los Angeles and Paris are expected to be the three contenders after Rome "suspended" its bid yesterday after failing to get support from the City Council.

A host is due to be named at the IOC Session in Lima on September 13 next year.

"I doubt that the inclusion will again hit five sports, 18 medals and nearly 500 participants," Espinós said.

"It will be much more moderate.

"Paris is a great application and karate is a very important sport in France, with great tradition.

"But the truth is that the same could be said of Hungary.

"I have some doubts [about] Los Angeles, but I have not yet spoken with them, and I will do it."

Espinós, who has led the WKF since 1998, was speaking ahead of the World Championships opening in Linz on October 25.

He also spoke about the "positive sentiment and the high expectations around the big event of the year".

The event is regarded as an opportunity to showcase karate’s "spectacular competitive nature".