ITKF Global expands international presence during TAFISA world congress in prague

Entity’s participation reinforced the presence of Traditional Karate within the international Sport for All movement and expanded institutional dialogue around health, physical activity and human development.

By Paulo Pinto / Global Sports
Curitiba, May 18, 2026

The TAFISA General Assembly, held this Thursday (15) in Prague during the organization’s 29th World Congress, officially elected a new President and Executive Board that will lead the international Sport for All movement for the 2026–2029 cycle.

Slovenian sports leader Janez Sodržnik, President of the Slovenian Sports Union, was elected President of TAFISA unopposed. In his presentation, he defended the vision of a “strong, credible and financially stable TAFISA,” committed to strengthening its members, expanding global partnerships and advancing the Sport for All movement worldwide.

The TAFISA General Assembly defined the organization’s new leadership for the 2026–2029 international cycle during the World Congress in Prague © TAFISA

The newly elected Executive Board brings together representatives from different regions of the world and reinforces the organization’s commitment to promoting physical activity, inclusion, health and quality of life through sport.

Among the elected board members are Boineelo Hardy (Botswana), Richard Way (Canada), Mei-Yen Chen (Chinese Taipei), Moira-Meree Rodan (Fiji Islands), Karin Fehres (Germany), Po Kee Wong (Hong Kong/China), Filippo Maria Capatti (Italy), Jacqueline Kronenburg Edelaar (Netherlands), Wanshik Hong (Republic of Korea) and Natalia Iavin (Romania). Fiona Johnson, from Slovenia, representing an international dance organization, was elected as the representative of international members.

Janez Sodržnik was elected President of TAFISA for the 2026–2029 term © TAFISA

ITKF Strengthens connections within the international sports environment

ITKF Global’s participation at the TAFISA World Congress also reinforced the organization’s growing connection with important institutions and leaders linked to the international Sport for All movement — an agenda increasingly aligned with the philosophical and educational principles defended by Traditional Budō.

Representing ITKF Global in Prague, Czech delegate Robin Bařák highlighted the importance of the organization’s presence in an international environment focused on promoting physical activity, health, inclusion and quality of life through sport.

“The TAFISA Congress in Prague was an exceptional opportunity for me, as a delegate of ITKF Global, to meet representatives of national and international sports federations and organizations. The separate meeting of TAFISA international member organizations, chaired by TAFISA Executive Board member Fiona Johnson, was also particularly valuable,” he said.

According to Bařák, the entire congress took place in a highly friendly and constructive atmosphere, clearly demonstrating the growing importance of physical activity and sport as tools for human development, social integration and the promotion of health on a global scale.

ITKF’s participation in the event also helped expand the organization’s institutional dialogue within the international sports landscape, strengthening connections and bringing Traditional Karate closer to contemporary discussions related to wellbeing, education, longevity and accessible sports practice for different generations.

“The congress reinforced my conviction that international cooperation in sport carries enormous significance, especially when it seeks to make physical activity accessible across generations, countries and cultures,” he added.

The newly elected members of the TAFISA Executive Board for the 2026–2029 cycle © TAFISA

The meetings were held at the historic Tyrš House, headquarters of the Czech Sokol Organization, an institution that has promoted the Sport for All philosophy in the Czech Republic for decades while preserving a tradition dating back to 1862.

With active participation in the congress activities and institutional meetings promoted by TAFISA, ITKF Global continues to expand its international presence in forums linked to human development through sport, physical activity and education based on the values of Budō.