Gala Dinner Celebrates Success of 2026 Karate One Youth League Porec

The gala dinner of the 2026 Karate One Youth League Poreč marked the conclusion of the successful edition of the massive event and celebrated the many values of karate as WKF leaders, local authorities, and distinguished guests gathered in a showcase of the friendship and sporting spirit of Karate.

The event was headed by WKF President Antonio Espinós and Croatian Karate Union President and WKF Executive Committee member Davor Cipek. Also in attendance were WKF CEO Sara Wolff, WKF Executive Committee members Davide Benetello and Wolfgang Weigert, together with local officials, including Haris Pavletić, President of the European University Sports Association (EUSA), among many other officials.

After the successful celebration of the Karate One Youth League event in Porec, officials participated in the celebration of the strong partnership between the WKF and the Croatian Karate Union and the continued success of one of the largest youth karate events on the international calendar.

WKF President Antonio Espinós said:

"I would like to sincerely thank the Croatian Karate Union and its President, Davor Cipek, for once again hosting a memorable edition of the Karate One Youth League and the WKF Youth Camp in Poreč. These events have become much more than competitions; They are among the most popular and largest gatherings in karate, and they help us celebrate the values, excellence, and spirit of our sport. For this, we are truly grateful to the Croatian Karate Union and to Mr. Cipek.

“In this sense,the success of the World Karate Federation lies in the remarkable progress of our National Federations across the world. Over the years, we have witnessed a remarkable growth in the professionalism and maturity of their leadership. This evolution has given our organisation tremendous stability, and it allows us to focus our energy on working together to strengthen our sport, driving innovation, supporting our members, and continuing to elevate Karate to new levels of excellence and global recognition.”

The 2026 Karate One Youth League Poreč once again confirmed its status as one of the world's leading youth karate events. The gala dinner provided an opportunity for officials, organizers, and partners to celebrate another successful edition while reinforcing the shared commitment to developing the next generation of karate athletes through the values of respect, friendship, and excellence.

(Top picture: WKF President Antonio Espinós and Croatian Karate Union President and WKF Executive Committee member Davor Cipek at the gala dinner of the 2026 Karate One Youth League Porec.

Croatian Karate Union President and WKF Executive Committee member Davor Cipek welcomed the guests at the gala.

WKF Executive Committee member Davide Benetello was honoured at the gala.

WKF President Antonio Espinós and Croatian Karate Union President and WKF Executive Committee member Davor Cipek with Haris Pavletić, President of the European University Sports Association (EUSA)

WKF President Antonio Espinós thanked the Croatian Karate Union and its president Davor Cipek for hosting a brilliant event.

WKF CEO Sara Wolff and  Haris Pavletić, President of the European University Sports Association (EUSA)

During the gala, the book about Karate “The belt that transformed my life” by Tanja Akovic Pondic was presented.

WKF President Antonio Espinós poses with female referees Eva Mona Altman, Tamar Melua and Tomislava Jukic.