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Innocent Kurira, Sports Reporter
THE Zimbabwe National Karate Federation (ZNKF) is now officially recognised by the World Karate Federation (WKF) after it was registered at the world body’s congress in Dubai on Monday.
ZNKF is now the only internationally recognised karate body in the country after the WKF congress unanimously voted to permanently disaffiliate the Zimbabwe Karate Union (ZKU).
“This is an important development for the sport. Our attainment of WKF membership will allow us to participate in regional, continental and international events. We previously only focused on local events, but now we will get to enjoy the benefits that come with full membership of the WKF, which is a plus for our sport,” said ZNKF president Joe Rugwete.
“We were always confident that we would be successful in our bid for registration and recognition because we consulted the WKF before splitting from the ZKU to form ZNKF,” he said.
WKF is the only international governing body of karate recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Previously, there was confusion over who between ZNKF and ZKU was the legitimate affiliate of the WKF.
The two groups tried to unite in November last year, but their differences were too wide.
ZNKF was formed last year for semi-contact members to comply with WKF statutes that prohibit its affiliates from mixing semi-contact and full contact karate.
It was formed after ZKU continued to administer both semi and full contact karate in breach of WKF rules.
ZNKF successfully applied for registration with the Sports and Recreation Commission. – @innocentskizoe
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