Steven Da Costa, now in Tokyo the first Olympic champion in the history of karate, fervently campaigns for the integration of his sport into the program of the Paris 2024 Olympics, believing that ” it’s still possible “. “We would like to be added, we don’t want to replace anyone because everyone who is there deserves it, but we want to be the fifth sport”, explains the gold medalist of -67 kg after a call relayed on social networks.
In 2024, surfing, climbing, skateboarding, already present in Tokyo, as well as breaking will be the new additional sports, but not karate, which appeared on the program of the Japanese Olympics, for only one edition.
“Worth writing to the IOC”
Roxana Maracineanu, the Minister Delegate in charge of Sports, reacted to the fight launched by the French champion in an interview with the Parisian . She wants it “Support and accompany” in his approach.
“Several nations have expressed their interest in reintegrating karate, such as Japan where it is one of their flagship sports. The integration of this discipline would be a nice link between Tokyo 2021 and Paris 2024 “, she explains.
No karate at the Olympic Games #Paris2024 : “Nobody understands this choice”, confides @Steven_DaCosta, who “hopes” that @TonyEstanguet will change your mind #RTLMatin pic.twitter.com/X1LpZilBjg
– RTL France (@RTLFrance) August 12, 2021
Regarding the call launched by Da Costa, “A super Olympic champion who embodies the youth” according to her, Maracineanu believes that everything is still possible: “It’s worth writing to at least the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Especially since we must not forget that there is a fifth place available for additional sports. “
READ ALSO. The call of Olympic champion Steven Da Costa to defend his Olympic title in Paris
If this discipline were to adapt to the requirements imposed by the IOC, “Traditional sports such as karate could more easily find their place at the Games, she concludes. And in a sustainable way. “
– .
????????????♥️????????????????????