News Summary:
The World Karate Federation (WKF) confirmed on July 19, 2026, that Karate SA (KSA) remains a full member despite the suspension of its national executive, endorsing interim president Sean Ahmed. This followed the WKF's provisional suspension of Karate SA's national executive on July 6, citing governance issues and pending disciplinary proceedings amidst a decade-long history of turbulence, infighting, and legal battles under its former long-serving president Sonny Pillay. Earlier, on June 19, the Guardian Girls Karate initiative expanded across the Americas with an Instructors’ Course in Mexico City, gathering 23 instructors from 17 countries for intensive training to implement and expand the program. Previously, on May 5, the WKF signed a global cooperation agreement with SOS Children’s Villages International to support youth development through karate, aiming to promote physical activity, discipline, inclusion, and personal development, with implementation starting in 2026 in eight countries, including El Salvador and Switzerland. In April, WKF CEO Sara Wolff attended the International World Games Association (IWGA) Annual General Meeting in Lausanne on April 28, where Anna Arzhanova was elected as the new IWGA President for the 2026–2030 term, succeeding José Perurena.
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