The World Congress of the World Karate Federation paid a heartfelt tribute to the members of the Karate community who sadly passed away this year. Karate icons Con Kassis, Sergio Menéndez and Iwaki Hashimoto were honoured at the plenary session of Karate’s governing body.
WKF President Antonio Espinós said:
“This year we regrettably had to say our farewell to three beloved and admired members of our family. Sergio, Con, and Iwaki have left an unforgettable mark on our sport and our hearts. Their legacy will always be with us.”
Con Kassis was the chairman of the WKF Technical Commission and a member of the WKF Sports and Rules and Ranking Commissions. Born in Greece but an Australian resident since he was four years old, Con Kassis was an 8th-Degree Black Belt and one of the most reputed Karate authorities in the world.
The Karate family also mourned legend Iwaki Hashimoto from Japan. One of the most influential Karate masters in the world, Mr Hashimoto was a member of the Executive Committee of the Japanese Karate Federation and vice-president of the All Japan Karatedo Shito-Kai. He was a member of the WKF Executive Committee from 2010 to 2014 and was considered a pioneer in the development and worldwide expansion of the sport.
Lastly, the WKF lamented the passing of Sergio Menéndez from Uruguay. Mr Menéndez was a member of the WKF Executive Committee from 1994 to 1998 and acted as vice president of the Pan American Karate Federation from 1991 to 2001.
Source and image: www.wkf.net
