Karate and Sustainability of Karate Events Celebrated at Opening Ceremony of Karate One Premier League Rome

The opening ceremony of the 2026 Karate1 Premier League Rome that set the tone for three days of world-class competition and highlighted the excitement of top Karate events as well as the organisational strength of the Italian Federation of Judo Wrestling Karate and Martial Arts.

Held at the PalaPellicone, the ceremony officially launched one of the most important events on the global karate calendar. The ceremony blended sport, culture and symbolism, presenting the event as a celebration of karate’s values of respect, discipline and international unity.

The ceremony was attended by FIJLKAM PresidentGiovanni Morsiani, Karate Sector PresidentDavide Benetello,Antonio Espinós, President of the World Karate Federation, FIJLKAM Secretary GeneralMassimiliano Benucci, Executive Director of Certification Market DevelopmentAndrea Alloisio, and Undersecretary for the EnvironmentClaudio Barbaro.

A central moment of the ceremony was the recognition of FIJLKAM’s commitment to responsible event management. The federation received the ISO 20121 certification, the international standard for sustainable event management. The certification recognises the structured approach adopted by the organisation to monitor and reduce the environmental, social and economic impact of its events.

WKF President Antonio Espinós said:

“FIJLKAM continues to set an example for the international karate community. The organisation of this Karate One Premier League event shows not only technical excellence and operational precision, but also a clear commitment to the values of karate. Sustainability, responsibility and respect are fundamental principles of our sport, and FIJLKAM has demonstrated how these values can be translated into concrete action.”

The President of FIJLKAM,Giovanni Morsiani, highlighted the importance of the event for the Italian movement:

“The Federation is honoured to host an event of this level. In an arena full of champions, we can showcase the work we are carrying out and the importance of karate around the world. Thanks to theWorld Karate Federationfor its trust and to the Italian karate community for the contribution it continues to make.Karate deserves to be in the Olympics.”

In his remarks, Karate sector President and WKF Executive Committee member Davide Benetello thanked Antonio Espinós, Gianni Morsiani, the federation and all the athletes present, and also announced the return of the competition to Rome:

“We are proud to have the best athletes in the world here. This event is the result of great teamwork. I am pleased to announce that we have also received confirmation that the Karate One Premier League will return to Rome in 2027.”

With a full arena and a global field of elite competitors, Rome once again positions itself as one of the main capitals of world karate—combining sporting excellence with a model for responsible and sustainable event organisation.

(Top picture: From left to right: FIJLKAM PresidentGiovanni Morsiani,Antonio Espinós, President of the World Karate Federation, FIJLKAM Karate Sector PresidentDavide Benetello)

WKF President Antonio Espinós opened the tournament

FIJLKAM Karate Sector PresidentDavide Benetello announced the return of Karate One Premier League to Rome

FIJLKAM PresidentGiovanni Morsiani highlighted the Olympic potential of Karate

FIJLKAM received the ISO 20121 certification, the international standard for sustainable event management.

Pictures: S. Dellamanna / FIJLKAM