WAKO Kickboxing Recognised by IOC

Photo Credit: International Olympic Committee (IOC President, Mr Thomas Bach)

WAKO has been granted provisional recognition by the IOC (International Olympic Committee)!

The decision was taken by the IOC Executive Board in Tokyo Japan on 30th November 2018 upon the IOC Sports Department’s recommendation.

WAKO has experienced massive development in the recent years and as a WAKO family, we collectively deserve such recognition for the tremendous effort contributed by each and every member.

All our hard work, focused attention on development, patience and a dedicated and competent team has finally paid off. When everything is settled it is time to reach for new and higher goals!

Photo credit: Interational Olympic Committee (IOC Executive Board Meeting held in Tokyo on 30 November 2018)

This special moment reflects how far we have come, but more importantly how far we have to go.

To finally achieve this goal is the end of a long but constructive and developing marathon, even though such recognition will lead to obligations for us to follow up and develop.

Since our application was delivered in August 2016, we have seen a great positive and constructive contribution from many people. In acknowledgement of the work, we would like to thank everybody involved, and in particular the International Relations team who constructed the application and lead all the discussions with the IOC: Espen Lund, Chairman, Roy Baker and our former President Borislav Pelevic; thank you also to WAKO Administration and the Legal Committee.

All undertook a huge task for our sport and delivered. Bravo to everybody in WAKO, what a fantastic day for our sport! This will have a positive and dramatic effect on our sport in all five Continents.

It is also important to dedicate this recognition to Borislav Pelevic that supported and approved all the work done. Not to say to Ennio Falsoni that founded the WAKO we see today.

Herewith enclosed also the congratulating letter received by Thomas Bach, IOC President.

About Kickboxing

Kickboxing is a modern contact fighting sport created on the basis of many traditional combat sports and martial arts. Kickboxing is a unique Western response to many Eastern martial arts. It can be practiced on competitive or recreational level depending on the aspirations of the kickboxer, but for sure it is a sport designed to improve your overall health, strength and endurance.

WAKO Kickboxing has 7 competitive disciplines; three ring and four tatami disciplines.

Today WAKO counts on 128 affiliated nations in the 5 continents, which are officially recognized by either National Olympic Committee or relevant National Government Sports Authority.

Today there are more than 4,000,000 practitioners in more than 40,000 clubs all over the globe. WAKO is promoting Bi Annually Continental and World Championships (in all seven disciplines) and organizes World and Continental Cups and Open tournaments.

Conclusion

Kickboxing is one step closer to becoming an Olympic sport with this tremendous recognition by the IOC.

Moreover, with the inclusion of Kickboxing's debut as an official medal sport at the prestigious 30th SEA Games in 2019, held in Philippines, the future of the sport is bright and saturated with amazing opportunities!

---

CONTACT INFORMATION

Website : www.wakosingapore.com

Email : info@wakosingapore.com

Contact Number : +65 8363 5661