The World Karate Federation released an official message on their website regarding the passing of WKF and EKF Executive Committee member and President of Turkish Karate Federation Esat Delihasan.
Here`s what it says:
“Mr Delihasan was truly dedicated to Karate. Genuinely passionate about the sport, he was one of the most important personalities of Karate after devoting his life to the progress of the sport in Europe and all over the world.
A man of authentic professionalism and integrity, equally beloved and admired, Mr Delihasan passed away this Monday at the age of 52. He headed the Turkish Karate Federation since 2008 and he was instrumental to the outstanding progress of the sport in his home country, thus contributing to making Turkey one of the powerhouse nations of the sport.
Member of the WKF Executive Committee for over a decade, Mr Delihasan acted as Vice-President of the Mediterranean Karate Federation. He also played a fundamental role in the progress of European Karate as a major force in the Executive Committee of the EKF. Prior to his successful career in managing positions, he experienced outstanding success as a Karate athlete and Karate coach.”
“The passing of Mr Esat Delihasan is an absolutely irreparable loss for the whole Karate family. He was not only one of the most important personalities of our sport; he was also a true friend, a bastion of optimism, and above all, a kind and generous person. He will be terribly missed. We will always remember his strength of character, his rectitude. His demise will represent a before and after for the Karate world,” said WKF and EKF President Antonio Espinós.
