The site, available on the same address as the previous one - www.wkf.net - features a cleaner design in a bid to improve navigation.

It has been made fully compatible with other platforms, including mobile phones and tablets, allowing fans easier access to news, photo galleries, competitions and institutional information.

According to the WKF, the website uses an "intuitive user interface" and a design which "showcases spectacular images of the sport".

"As a growing institution, we wanted a website that will be able to grow with us, and the new version of WKF.net opens a new era for our institution in cyberspace," WKF President Antonio Espinós said.

"We hope that Karate enthusiasts enjoy the new look of WKF.net as much as we enjoyed putting it together."

The launch of the new website comes ahead of the crucial International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session in Rio de Janeiro, where the organisation's membership-at-large will decide whether to admit karate and four other sports onto the programme for Tokyo 2020.

Baseball and softball, skateboarding, sport climbing and surfing were recommended for inclusion by Japanese organisers, which was then rubber-stamped by the IOC's Executive Board last month.

It is widely expected that all five sports will be granted a place at the Games in the Japanese capital in four years' time.

A total of 60 karatekas now appear set compete in six kumite and two kata demonstration categories at the Olympics in Tokyo.