At a glittering sporting award ceremony in Glasgow,  Karate was awarded the top accolade with Scottish and British Karate Federation President, Terry Connell, being presented with the award in recognition for Service to Sport. The evening had many prominent figures in Scottish sport including Louise Martin, recently appointed President of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF).

The Commonwealth Games is a body of 72  independent sovereign states spread over every continent and ocean. From Africa to Asia, the Pacific shores to the Caribbean, the Commonwealth’s 2.2 billion people make up 30% of the world’s population and are of many faiths, races, languages, cultures and traditions. It is a unique, world class, multi-sports event which is held once every four years. It is often referred to as the ‘Friendly Games’. In 2014 the Games were held in Glasgow with 17 sports having 71 participating over 11 days.

In conversation with Mrs. Martin she expressed her delight at the new appointment and plans to relinquish her current post in Scottish sport to focus on her new appointment with the CGF. The WKF has, in recent years, shown strong support for the Commonwealth Karate Federation and this new direction from Scotland could prove significant should Karate make a formal application to join the Games. It has parallels with our Olympic application and Mrs Martin, now the most influential figure in the CGF, is well aware of our Tokyo 2020 bid.

Commonwealth Karate Federation (CKF) President, Mr. Michael Kassis, provided his comments on this announcement. «I would like to personally congratulate Mr Terry Connell on his achievement and contribution to the sport of Karate. Myself and the CKF EC Members are working toward of including Karate to the Commonwealth Games with the strong support of the WKF.»

The CKF championships were held in  September 2015 New Delhi and it was very successful. Mr Toshi Nagura WKF General Secretary was present in support to the CKF.