Cuban karate-do athletes dream alreday of Tokyo 2020

HOLGUIN, Cuba, Feb 22 (acn) The designation of karate as an Olympic sport for the event of Tokyo 2020 is a dream shared today by the family of that martial art in Cuba.

This discipline, with many centuries of practice and present in all regions of the world, is struggling to be included in the program of the summer event in the Japanese capital, scheduled for 2020.
Carmen Aizpurúa, national commissioner of karate, told ACN that there is confidence and optimism that ultimately the sport to be elected within the Olympic program for Japan.
It would be a dream come true for those who love this martial art, she said, and a pride that our athletes to represent their country in the highest multisport event.
Professor Francisco García Almenares, who is part of the group of coaches of the Cuban national team since 1991, said that today more than ever karate is closer to be included in the summer competition.
Participation in both regional and global international events is a challenge for karate in Cuba, which also needs much more spreading.
The organizers of the Games in Tokyo recommended last year the inclusion of five sports that are currently out of the Olympic contest : baseball, karate, skating, surfing and sport climbing, to the detriment of the also candidates bowling, squash and wushu.
The International Olympic Committee will make a final decision in August 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, venue of the upcoming Olympics.