The world and Canadian sport karate communities are celebrating today’s announcement by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) that it has formally approved the addition of five new sports, including karate, to the program of the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. The inclusion of these five new sports will add 18 events and 474 athletes to the Olympic program in Tokyo, without impacting existing sports. The sport of karate will be represented by total of 80 athletes, set to compete in six kumite (sparring) and two kata (forms) divisions.

“The entire Canadian karate community is thrilled with this historic news,” says Karate Canada President Mr. Craig Vokey, “and inclusion of the sport of karate in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games’ program represents a milestone of immense significance for all karateka across the globe. With the continued support of the Canadian government, the Canadian Olympic Committee and our other partners, Karate Canada is sparing no effort to ensure its readiness for these Games, and we excitedly look forward to seeing our remarkable Canadian karate athletes shine on the world stage, in the very birthplace of this hugely popular martial art and combat sport.”

“We have been preparing for this opportunity for years, and can’t wait for the entire world to see some of our best athletes shine in Tokyo in 2020. We sincerely hope that we may benefit from increased support and funding in the near future, in order to help further ensure the Canadian karate team’s success at these Games”adds Executive Director Olivier Pineau.

The Canadian Olympic Committee has also provided the following statement:

“We applaud the IOC’s decision to include karate in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Program. It is an important recognition of that sport which has experienced significant growth world-wide and the exceptional athletes who take part in it. This addition will attract millions of new fans around the world to the Olympic Movement. Congratulations to Karate Canada, we’ll see you in Tokyo.”

Tricia Smith
President, Canadian Olympic Committee