Karate One Youth League Manila Launch Highlights Strong National Support for Youth Karate

A press conference held at Lanson Place Mall of Asia on Friday formally launched the Karate One Youth League Manila, underscoring strong national support for karate and youth sports development in the country. Leading Philippine sports officials attended the event to show their backing for both the sport and the upcoming international tournament.

Among those present were Mr. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, President of the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC); Mr. Patrick “Pato” Gregorio, Chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC); Mr. Arnel Gonzales representing the SM Group of Companies; and Mr. Carlo Sampan, Assistant Vice President and Head of Sports of MILO Philippines. The launch was led by Mr. Richard Lim, President of the Karate Federation of the Philippines.

The Karate One Youth League is considered the largest global celebration of youth karate, bringing together thousands of young athletes from around the world. The Manila tournament will take place from May 14 to 17, marking a major milestone for the country’s sports calendar.

“This is the first time that we are hosting this in Manila. We have hosted the Asian Championships and the Asian Cadets before. Now, we have the Youth League. Now, with the tournament, we are able to develop our youth at the grassroots level,” said Lim during the event’s official launch.

In a statement, Antonio Espinós, President of the World Karate Federation (WKF), expressed appreciation to the Philippine organisers:

“We thank the Karate Federation of the Philippines and President Richard Lim for their tremendous efforts in hosting one of the main events of the year in Manila. The Philippines is a hub of karate in the region, and the excellence of the sport in the country will once again be showcased. This is the first time the nation hosts a Karate One Youth League event after successfully welcoming continental championships, and we are ready to witness an outstanding Karate event in Manila. This tournament will not only reinforce Manila and the Philippines as key centres of karate in Asia but also provide young athletes with world-class competition experience at a first-class international sports event.”

Top picture: From Left to right: SM MOA executive Arnel Gonzales, PSC chairman Patrick Gregorio, Karate Federation of the Philippines president Richard Lim, POC president Abraham Tolentino and MILO sports official Carlo Sampan.