The highest authorities of the World Association of Kickboxing Organizations (WAKO) met in Istanbul, Turkey, thinking about the development of the sport in the European and Asian region. The president of WAKO, the Irishman Roy Baker, attended the meeting, along with the vice president of the organization, the Turkish Salim Kayici.

The focus of the meeting was on how to develop kickboxing in the countries of Eurasia, a geographical area that includes from Spain to China at the junction of Europe and Asia, in the coming years also seeking the expansion of the discipline in the territory. mentioned.

INCLUSION OF PARA-KICKBOXING

The board is part of the ideas of progress that the president of WAKO, Roy Baker, has, who has held the position since 2019 and who was re-elected in December 2023. We are experiencing a particular year in kickboxing, not only because of the intentions of Baker, but because starting in 2024, Para-Kickboxing will begin to be included in the World Association’s competitions for the first time. This involves the inclusion in the official championships of athletes in wheelchairs, with prostheses and Down Syndrome.

Furthermore, although it was not the reason for the meeting between the president and vice president of WAKO, in kickboxing they still dream of being part of the next Olympic Games, despite not having been considered for Los Angeles 2028.