The Spaniard, who was re-elected to his position for a six-year team at the WKF Congress earlier today, highlighted the significance of the five-day event being the first World Championships after the decision to include karate on the Olympic programme at Tokyo 2020.

His speech came at the end of an Opening Ceremony that featured a visual combination of dance, music and performing arts, all with the backdrop of a live orchestra.

The Ceremony aimed to showcase karate’s values in a "trip through the world, Austria and Upper Austria".

The traditional parade of flags opened the event as delegations of the 118 countries entered the venue and took their seats. 

A dancing and musical performance to highlight the virtues of Upper Austria came thereafter, while the host country's traditions were represented later. 

Arguably one of the most memorable moments of the Ceremony was the performance of visually impaired local singer George Nussbaumer, who encapsulated the audience with his voice in a series of musical numbers.

The combination of karate and dance continued as karatekas performing kata routines were mixed with classical dancers.

Following speeches from Austrian Karate Federation President Georg Russbacher and WKF counterpart Espinós, the Ceremony drew to a close with a world premiere of the song "We are Karate" - composed and performed by Andie Gabauer.

Action at the 2016 Karate World Championships is due to begin tomorrow.

To re-live all the ongoings from the Opening Ceremony, see our Live Blog here.