2014 became one of the most successful years for the National Karate Federation. The Federation has made some changes and innovations in its activities and this has made progress. Senior, cadet and junior teams participated in 17 international tournaments. Athletes had won 196 medals at two European Championships, 1 World Cup, the world championship among students, the World Cup among Cadets and Juniors, three tournaments of Premier League and 9 prestigious international tournaments. In other words, the Azerbaijan karatekas won 67 gold, 37 silver and 92 bronze medals in various tournaments in 2014.
This year, which coincided with the 20th European Championship in kumite competitions. And the Fifth International Tournament «Baku Open» was timed to coincide with the anniversary of the Federation.
The International Bank of Azerbaijan, providing financial support to the National Karate Federation within the latest 10 years, since this year has further increased its focus on the Baku 2015 European Games. Earlier this year, the General Sponsor of IBA allocated two new gyms to the Federation. Rooms are equipped with the necessary equipment and they have all conditions. On the basis of agreements with foreign brands, the federation staff was equipped with sports equipment and accessories. At present, work is being completed in the new office of Federation, and in early 2015 the Federation will move to the new premises.
The public sector of Federation also conducted effective work. Within the project «Star pupils» meetings were held in 17 secondary schools in Baku and Absheron district. This project, aimed anniversary of the Federation, the men's team won the at providing support to team members, consisting of pupils from these schools, became quite successful. The prize, entitled «The persistent fighter», established by the sponsor, is awarded to athletes who distinguished themselves in various tournaments. In contrast to previous periods, office staff, coaches, referees and athletes received a monthly salary.
Birthdays of the national team members, which have shown good results, office staff and judges of the international category were celebrated at the level of the Federation, they were given prizes on behalf of the sponsor. A certain portion of expenses of the staff, experiencing serious financial difficulties, were compensated by the general sponsor.
With the aim to improve the skills and experience of the judges of national category, 7 seminars was held this year. International referees improved their categories, successfully passed examinations in the Judicial Committee of the World Karate Federation (WKF).
Effective measures towards propagation and enhancement of mass development of karate were also carried out. The relationship with the local and foreign press was strengthened, the official website was updated and through a more universal functional activity the site has collected a large number of users. Live webcast both of foreign and local tournaments was organized, operational information was provided to the public. These and other methods of propaganda contributed to increased interest in karate.
It is glad that, along with other sports, the President of the National Olympic Committee, the head of state Mr. Ilham Aliyev follows the development of karate, and as a result of this the keys to a new apartment were handed to the Head Coach of the junior team, judge of the international category Anar Allahverdiyev in the end of December and also the keys to a new apartment were handed to the winner of World and European Championships, many prestigious international tournaments, the captain of the national team Shahin Atamov in May by the general sponsor. IBA also presented cash prizes to members of the national team which for the first time became the Champion of Europe. Various prizes to mark the 20th Federation were also established.
Athletes are provided regularly by vitamins before each competition. Attention to the medical examination of athletes and tightened doping control is increased. As directed by the Chairman of the IBA Jahangir Hajiyev, the project on the development and promotion of karate in the regions was drawn up and its implementation was started.
One of the priority tasks of the National Karate Federation is to start intense preparing for the Baku 2015 European Games. The Federation has set a goal to achieve high results in the Baku 2015 European Games. In this regard all the efforts are made and the Federation continues to work in this direction in a cheerful mood and good spirits.