IWGA Board member, President of the World Karate Federation Antonio Espinós received the Japanese Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star in Tokyo. Mr Espinós was recognised for his contribution to the progress of Karate, a sport that is born in Japan.
The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star is one of the highest orders conferred by the Japanese government. The order is awarded to those who have made distinguished achievements in international relations, promotion of Japanese culture, advancements in their field, development in welfare or preservation of the environment.
“It is a great honour to be bestowed such a prestigious award. Karate is a universal sport with presence all over the world. However, we proudly try to preserve the roots of Karate and its origins going back to the Japanese traditional culture. We will continue supporting the values that we share with the Japanese culture as this Order recognises Karate’s influence in both the traditional and universal stages of our discipline. On behalf of the World Karate Federation, I am extremely grateful for this recognition,” said WKF President Antonio Espinós to Around the Rings.
The awarding ceremony took place on Monday 26 November at the headquarters of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology in Tokyo. Amongst the participants were also the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Masahiko Shibayama; the Commissioner of Japan Sports Agency Daichi Suzuki; the Deputy Commissioner of Japan Sports Agency Yuzuru Imazato and the Director-General of Japan Sports Agency Yoko Fujie.
The World Games is a multi-sport event staged every four years by the International World Games Association under the patronage of the International Olympic Committee. The 11th edition of The World Games will be held in Birmingham, Alabama, USA, 15-25 July 2021. 3,600 athletes from over 30 sports and 100 countries will take part in the Games.
