The solemn opening ceremony of the 42nd was held in Zurich, Switzerland. After the procession of representatives from 47 countries, heads of Switzerland Karate Federation and Zurich City Hall said that it is a great honor for them to welcome guests in their country and wished the guests go home with good impressions.
The President of the World and European Karate Federation (WKF and EKF) Antonio Espinos said that he wants to see karate among Olympic Sports and that in this direction are carried out large-scale works. After the flag of EKF was brought in the hall, judges and athletes took an oath of fair competition. After the flag-raising, the official part of the ceremony continued with European Championship among cadets and juniors artistic presentations.
The President of the National Karate Federation of Azerbaijan and member of the technical committee of WKF Yashar Bashirov, as well as the first vice-president of the Federation and the official representative of the general sponsor of the International Bank of Azerbaijan Ilham Gasimzadeh, attended the opening ceremony and awards ceremony.
