WKF Assistant General Secretary Davor Cipek Represents Karate at the 13th ISSA General Assembly in Tirana, Albania

The high-profile event brought together representatives from 57 National Olympic Committees and from international sports federations. Discussions centred on preparations for the next edition of the Islamic Solidarity Games, set to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from November 7 to 20, 2025. Karate will be featured as one of the 28 disciplines in this prestigious competition, which is expected to draw the best athletes from Islamic countries.

Mr. Cipek’s presence at the ISSA General Assembly underscores the WKF’s ongoing strategy to ensure Karate’s inclusion in all major multi-sport events. Since Karate’s debut in the Islamic Solidarity Games in 2005, the WKF has actively promoted the sport’s values of discipline, respect, and excellence on this international platform.

“I want to thank ISSA and the Albanian Olympic Committee for hosting us in this excellent event. We have been impressed by the hospitality and organisation of the event and look forward to future collaborations. Also, I would like to express my gratitude to WKF President Antonio Espinós for granting me the big honour of representing the WKF at this event,” said WKF Assistant General Secretary Davor Cipek.

“Karate has a unique ability to inspire and unite communities through its values of honour, respect, and personal growth. Being part of the Islamic Solidarity Games is a testament to the popularity and strength of Karate within the Islamic sports ecosystem,” said WKF President Antonio Espinós. “I want to thank Davor Cipek for his proactive approach and dedicated efforts to maximise opportunities for Karate on the global stage. His representation of the WKF at this important event reinforces our mission to showcase Karate’s added value to multi-sport competitions.”

With the Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh just over a year away, the WKF’s participation in the General Assembly demonstrated its commitment to strengthening ties with key stakeholders in the Islamic sports community. By maintaining a presence at such events, the WKF continues to highlight Karate’s contribution to multi-sport tournaments, ensuring the sport remains a key fixture in these global gatherings.

(Top picture: From left to right: the president of the Albanian Olympic Committee, Fidel Ylli, WKF Assistant General Secretary Davor Cipek, and General Secretary of ISSA Nasser Majali)

WKF Assistant General Secretary Davor Cipek poses with Kuwait’s Minister of State for Youth Affairs Salman Sabah Al-Salem Al-Homoud Al-Sabah.

Over 180 attendees participated in the 13^th edition of the ISSA General Assembly.

Mr Cipek and Director of International Relations of Saudi Arabia’s Olympic and Paralympic Committee, Abdulaziz Albaqous.