“Hosting the event in 2026 will strengthen our place in South Asian martial arts.”
Sri Lanka has announced its interest in hosting the first South Asian Traditional Karate Championship in 2026. The Sri Lanka Traditional Karate Association (SLTKA), which works with the International Traditional Karate Federation (ITKF), submitted the proposal.
The announcement came at a media briefing in Colombo. SLTKA said it is already holding discussions with South Asian countries to confirm their participation. The association believes Sri Lanka is ready to host the event because traditional karate is growing rapidly across the island.
More than 1,000 athletes in Sri Lanka practice traditional karate today. The sport is active in the Southern, North Central, Sabaragamuwa, and Central Provinces. It also continues to expand in schools and local clubs.
During a recent seminar in Colombo, ITKF Technical Committee Head Richard Jorgensen praised Sri Lanka’s progress. He highlighted the strong discipline and mental training shown by local athletes.
If Sri Lanka wins the bid, the championship will help strengthen the sport in the region and give local fighters an important international platform.