Today the Karate 1 Youth League 2025 has been presented in Guadalajara, an internationally relevant event for youth sports that will take place from April 3 to 6 at the Palacio Multiusos, with the participation of over 3,000 karatekas from 80 countries.
The Mayor of Guadalajara, Ana Guarinos, expressed her gratitude to the President of the Spanish Karate Federation, Antonio Moreno, and the President of the Castilla-La Mancha Karate Federation, Javier Pineño, for choosing Guadalajara once again to host a major international event. She highlighted the close collaboration with the karate federations, which has brought significant international events to Guadalajara, such as the World Championship in 2013 and now for the first time, the Karate Youth League.
She also thanked the private company Volapük for their decisive collaboration in sponsoring this event, as well as the intensive work of the entire Sports department, led by Armengol Engonga.
“This is further evidence of the commitment we have renewed day by day with sports in our city. We firmly believe that sports are a driver of health, integration, and development for Guadalajara. It is not only a tool for physical and mental improvement, but also a source of tourism resources that boosts the local economy,” stated Guarinos.
The Mayor recalled that over 250 sports events were held in Guadalajara in 2024, “with a strong focus on promoting women’s sports and inclusion.” «In 2025, we have started stronger than ever, with major events marking the beginning of a year full of activities that will put Guadalajara on the sports map,» she added.
Guarinos also highlighted the investments made in improving the city’s sports facilities, “we have invested €900,000 in sports facilities, so that sports reach everyone,” and mentioned that on June 7, the Sports Day will be celebrated in Guadalajara with many activities from all sports disciplines.
The President of the Spanish Karate Federation, Antonio Moreno, expressed his enthusiasm for the Karate Youth League taking place in Guadalajara, “which is the most important karate event to be held in Spain internationally, where we will have over 3,000 competitors, 800 referees, 150 involved technicians, in addition to our organization team and companions, bringing over 4,000 people to the city with a significant economic impact.”
“The Government of Castilla La Mancha and the Provincial Council of Guadalajara have not seen fit to support this event on this occasion, as they have done in the past, which is why we are even more thankful to the Guadalajara City Council and Volapük for their real support for this competition, in a very hospitable city, although the impact will reach the entire Corridor and region,” he pointed out.
On his part, the President of the regional Federation, Javier Pineño, thanked the entire organization “for your support and collaboration, I know that I am the envy of other regional presidents for being able to be here in our city, Guadalajara, to host such a significant event.”