WKF President Antonio Espinós Attends Emotional Farewell Event to Karate Icon Damian Quintero in Madrid

The headquarters of the Spanish Olympic Committee in Madrid hosted an emotional farewell event to honour one of the greatest kata athletes of all time, Damián Quintero. The event was attended by Antonio Espinós, President of the World Karate Federation (WKF); Alejandro Blanco, President of the Spanish Olympic Committee; Antonio Moreno, President of the Spanish Karate Federation; José Perurena, President of the International World Games Association; members of the Spanish karate national teams; as well as family and close friends of the Spanish kata ace.

During the ceremony, Quintero’s outstanding sporting career was reviewed in detail. A silver medallist at the Olympic Games, he also won four silver medals at Individual World Championships and a gold medal at the World Team Championships. At continental level, he earned seven gold medals at European Individual Championships, five gold medals at European Team Championships and three gold medals at the European Games. These achievements form part of an impressive list of honours that confirm his place among the best kata athletes in history.

The event featured speeches from several key figures in Quintero’s journey. WKF President Antonio Espinós praised both his sporting excellence and his personal values. Spanish Karate Federation President Antonio Moreno presented Quintero with the RFEK Gold Badge in recognition of his career and contribution to Spanish karate.

Quintero’s last coach, José Antonio Alburquerque, addressed the audience alongside Spanish national coach and close friend Iván Leal. His wife, Casandra Busto, also shared words of appreciation during the emotional ceremony. The event concluded with remarks from Spanish Olympic Committee President Alejandro Blanco, who highlighted Quintero’s role as an ambassador of Spanish sport and a reference for future generations.

In his official statement, WKF President Antonio Espinós said:

“Damián Quintero represents the best of karate. His dedication and discipline have defined his career. With 131 medals, he is an irreplaceable figure in our sport. But his impact goes beyond results. He has always shown respect, integrity and humility. He has helped elevate karate and spread its values in Spain and around the world. His commitment to continue supporting and promoting karate after his competitive career reflects his true character. He will remain a reference for our sport, both on and off the tatami and a true example of the many values of our sport.”

(Top picture:From left to right: José Perurena, President of the International World Games Association, Kata icon Damian Quintero and WKF President Antonio Espinós

From left to right: Conductor of the event Ignacio Paramio,  Antonio Moreno, President of the Spanish Karate Federation, Alejandro Blanco, President of the Spanish Olympic Committee. Damian Quintero’s wife, Casandra Busto, Karate icon Damian Quintero, WKF President Antonio Espinós, Quintero’s last coach, José Antonio Alburquerque and Spanish national coach and close friend Iván Leal.

WKF President Antonio Espinós during his participation at the event.

The event served to honour one of the most important figures in the sport.