News – WAKO Asia https://wakoasia.com Asian Kickboxing Confederation, the governing body of Kickboxing in Asia. the recognition granted by Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) Thu, 01 Oct 2026 01:08:49 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1.3 https://wakoasia.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/cropped-WAKO-ASIA-CONFEDERATION-32x32.png News – WAKO Asia https://wakoasia.com 32 32 2026-09-21 WADA Recently Approved 2027 Prohibited List https://wakoasia.com/2026-09-21-wada-2027-prohibited-list-effective-1-january-2027/ Mon, 21 Sep 2026 15:07:00 +0000 https://wakoasia.com/?p=5586 Effective 1 January 2027

Please be informed that the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has published the 2027 List of Prohibited Substances and Methods (List), which was approved by WADA’s Executive Committee (ExCo) during its meeting on 10 September 2026and enters into force on 1 January 2027.  

You can find the major modifications for the 2027 Prohibited List in the 2027 Summary of Major Modifications and Explanatory Notes.

The Therapeutic Use Exemption Program 
We would like to remind that Athletes who have a legitimate medical reason for using a prohibited substance or method that is on the List can apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) to determine whether they meet the criteria outlined in the International Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemptions (ISTUE).

Educational resources
WADA has also provided educational resources which can be accessed on the Agency’s Anti-Doping Education and Learning Platform (ADEL), while an Athlete and ASP Guide to the 2027 List is expected in December.  

We kindly request that you give this matter your immediate attention and ensure that this information is circulated to all athletes and athlete support personnel involved in competition. Please take the necessary steps to ensure full awareness of, and compliance with, the 2027 Prohibited List published by WADA.

Thank you for your cooperation in ensuring that all kickboxing athletes and their support personnel are fully informed about and comply with the 2027 Prohibited List.

Public Relation Department
Asian Kickboxing Confederation


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2026-08-18 Sai Kung, Hong Kong, 2nd Cross-Strait Cities Kickboxing Invitational Tournament Successfully Concludes https://wakoasia.com/2026-08-18sai-kung-hong-kong-2nd-cross-strait-cities-kickboxing-invitational-tournament-successfully-concludes/ Tue, 18 Aug 2026 08:50:35 +0000 https://wakoasia.com/?p=5538 Sai Kung, Hong Kong, August 18, 2026 – The Asian Kickboxing Confederation (AKC), in collaboration with the Hong Kong Kickboxing Association, proudly hosted the 2nd Cross-Strait Cities Kickboxing Invitational Tournament from August 13–16, 2026.

Following the success of the inaugural edition in 2025, this year’s tournament once again brought together athletes and officials from across the region, reinforcing the role of kickboxing as a bridge for cultural exchange and sporting diplomacy.

The opening ceremony on August 14 was graced by the distinguished presence of Mr. Edgar J.T. Yang, Secretary General of the National Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, alongside prominent celebrities. Their participation underscored the growing recognition of kickboxing within the wider sporting community and highlighted Hong Kong’s leadership in regional sports development.

On August 15, the tournament welcomed a courtesy visit from Mr. Abraham N. Tolentino, President of the Philippines NOC, together with Secretary General Mr. Wharton Chan. Their brief presence at the conclusion of the day’s program symbolized solidarity and friendship. The Philippines participated as a special guest nation, fielding a delegation of four athletes , two female and two male, who competed with remarkable spirit and sportsmanship.

Teams competing in the invitational included Hong Kong China, People’s Republic of China, Chinese Taipei, and Macau China, with the Philippines joining as a special guest delegation.

A total of 37 athletes competed – 22 men and 15 women, across three ring styles. They were supported 16 national team coaches, 11 referees, and over 50 officials. To ensure fairness and neutrality, the AKC appointed International Technical Officials (ITOs) from Kazakhstan, Korea, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Indonesia.

The tournament was led and supervised by Nasser Nassiri, President of the Asian Kickboxing Confederation, whose vision continues to drive the growth of the sport in Asia. He was joined by De Jeong, Vice President of AKC and Chairman of the Technical Committee, ensuring the highest standards of competition and officiating.

President Nassiri expressed his appreciation to the Hong Kong Kickboxing Association for its organizational excellence and highlighted the importance of the event in strengthening regional ties:
“This invitational is more than a competition – it is a celebration of unity, discipline, and the shared heritage of martial arts across Asia. The presence of distinguished guests and athletes from across the region reflects the growing influence of kickboxing as a platform for friendship and cooperation.”

The 2nd Cross-Strait Cities Invitational once again demonstrated Hong Kong’s role as a strategic hub for Asian kickboxing regional development, setting the stage for future collaborations under the guidance of the Asian Kickboxing Confederation.

Public Relations Department
Asian Kickboxing Confederation

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2026-08-12 Official cirular to All Membes Federations – Decision of the Executive Board of 22 July 2026 https://wakoasia.com/2026-08-12-official-cirular-to-all-membes-federations-decision-of-the-executive-board-of-22-july-2026/ Wed, 12 Aug 2026 04:55:13 +0000 https://wakoasia.com/?p=5531 Dear Members, Dear all,

We are pleased to inform you of the decision of the Executive Board of the Asian Kickboxing Confederation dated 22 July 2022. Please find below the Official Circular from Mr. Sina Zahedi, Secretary General of the Asian Kickboxing Confederation, which is self‑explanatory.

Best regards,
Administration office
Asian Kickboxing Confederation (WAKO ASIA)

To review the circular, please click on the link below.

2026-08-531 AKC Official Circular to All Member Federations – Decision of the Executive Board of 22 July 2026


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2026-06-18 Official Announcement – Cancellation of the Asian Open Cup 2026 in Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan) https://wakoasia.com/2026-06-18-official-announcement-cancellation-of-the-asian-open-cup-2026-in-bishkek-kyrgyzstan/ https://wakoasia.com/2026-06-18-official-announcement-cancellation-of-the-asian-open-cup-2026-in-bishkek-kyrgyzstan/#respond Thu, 18 Jun 2026 12:24:00 +0000 https://wakoasia.com/?p=5517 📢 Official Announcement – Cancellation of the Asian Open Cup 2026 in Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan)

Dear Members,

Following our information post published and sent by email on 14 May 2026, in which we announced the organization of the Asian Open Cup 2026 in collaboration with the Kickboxing Federation of the Kyrgyz Republic, scheduled for 18–24 August 2026, we would like to provide an important update.

After careful evaluation, and due to unavoidable logistical preparation challenges that significantly affect the feasibility and proper execution of the event, we regret to inform you that the Asian Open Cup 2026 cannot be held as planned.

To preserve the quality, safety, and overall success of our competitions, the Asian Kickboxing Federation Organising Committee has therefore decided to cancel the event.

We sincerely appreciate your understanding and continued support.

We take this opportunity to underline that the dates (11–22 December 2026) and the host city (Phnom Penh, Cambodia) for the 2026 Asian Kickboxing Championships (Senior & Master Divisions) are confirmed. The Government of Cambodia has already issued the corresponding authorization. You will receive the complete information package for the 2026 Asian Kickboxing Championships shortly.

Administration Office
Asian Kickboxing Confederation (WAKO ASIA)

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2026-04-16 Asian Kickboxing Championships 2026 – Phnom Penh, Cambodia (11–22 December 2026) https://wakoasia.com/2026-04-16-asian-kickboxing-championships-2026-phnom-penh-cambodia-11-22-december-2026/ https://wakoasia.com/2026-04-16-asian-kickboxing-championships-2026-phnom-penh-cambodia-11-22-december-2026/#comments Thu, 16 Apr 2026 15:58:37 +0000 https://wakoasia.com/?p=5474 The Asian Kickboxing Confederation (WAKO Asia) is proud to announce that the 2026 Asian Kickboxing Championships will take place from 11 to 22 December 2026 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, in collaboration with the Cambodian Sports Authorities.

This prestigious continental event will feature both Ring Disciplines (Full Contact, Low Kick, K-1) and Tatami Disciplines (Point Fighting, Light Contact, Kick Light, Musical Forms), across Senior and Master divisions.

📌 Key Dates

  • Arrival: 11–12 December 2026
  • Competition: 11–22 December 2026
  • Departure: 23 December 2026 (participants may depart freely)

The Asian Kickboxing Championships return to Phnom Penh after the fantastic and memorable 2024 edition, which brought together 23 countries, with 513 registrations including 423 athletes. That event was a milestone in the history of Asian kickboxing, showcasing the strength, unity, and spirit of our sport across the continent.

The 2026 Championships promise to build on this legacy, offering athletes, coaches, and fans another unforgettable experience in Cambodia.

Further details, including the full information package, will be shared soon. For inquiries, please contact:

  • registration.akc2026@wakoasia.com
  • info@wakoasia.com

We look forward to welcoming the kickboxing family once again to Phnom Penh.

Public Relation Department
Asian Kickboxing Confederation (WAKO Asia)

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2026-02-27 wada Approved 2027 Code and International Standards https://wakoasia.com/2026-02-27-wada-approved-2027-code-and-international-standards/ https://wakoasia.com/2026-02-27-wada-approved-2027-code-and-international-standards/#respond Fri, 27 Feb 2026 19:09:00 +0000 https://wakoasia.com/?p=5446 The 2027 World Anti-Doping Code (Code) and International Standards (Standards) were approved on 5 December by the Agency’s Foundation Board and Executive Committee respectively, at WADA’s sixth World Conference on Doping in Sport in Busan, Republic of Korea. The 2027 Code and Standards, accessible through the links below, will come into force on 1 January 2027.

1. 2027 World Anti-Doping Code| Redline from 2021 to 2027
2. International Standard for Code Compliance by Signatories (ISCCS) | Redline from 2024 to 2027
3. International Standard for Data Protection (ISDP)| Redline from 2021 ISPPPI to 2027 ISDP
4. International Standard for Education (ISE)| Redline from 2021 to 2027
5. International Standard for Intelligence and Investigations (ISII)| New Standard
6. International Standard for Laboratories (ISL) | Redline from 2021 to 2027
7. International Standard for Results Management (ISRM)| Redline from 2023 to 2027
8. International Standard for Testing (IST)| Redline from 2023 ISTI to 2027 IST
9. International Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemptions (ISTUE)| Redline from 2023 to 2027

More detailed information can be find at the following link:
2027 Code and International Standards | World Anti Doping Agency

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2026-02-16 WADA invites athletes to share their experiences with anti-doping through confidential survey  https://wakoasia.com/2026-02-16-wada-invites-athletes-to-share-their-experiences-with-anti-doping-through-confidential-survey/ Mon, 16 Feb 2026 00:17:00 +0000 https://wakoasia.com/?p=5431
Montreal, 16 February 2026
 
A special request to Anti-Doping Organizations worldwide  
As WADA has limited direct access to athletes worldwide, we would be grateful if you could forward this message to your respective athlete populations via your communication channels. 
 
Dear athletes, 

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has launched an initiative to better understand the Athlete Anti-Doping Experience. We invite you to participate in a voluntary and important survey to share your perspectives and experiences with the anti-doping system. 

Your feedback is invaluable and will be used to improve current athlete initiatives, consider new projects, and to continue to shape an athlete-centered and supportive anti-doping system. 

WADA is working with an independent research firm that specializes in user experiences—P2CO. They developed the survey and will be analyzing the data, in order to provide WADA with insights on areas of strength as well as areas for improvements.  

One lucky participant will be randomly selected from all respondents to receive a $100 USD gift certificate. The draw will take place on 20 March 2026. Please note that should you choose to participate in this draw, your contact information will not be linked to your survey responses in any way.  

What you should know about the survey: 

Objective: To understand athletes experiences with anti-doping.

Confidentiality: Your responses are strictly confidential and will not be linked back to your personal identity. All data will be handled under WADA’s Privacy Policy. 

Completion Time: The survey should take approximately 30 minutes to complete. 

Click the link below to access the survey: 
 
Athlete Anti-Doping Experience Survey  
 
We kindly ask you to complete the survey by 15 March 2026.  

Thank you for your valuable time and contribution to this important research. 

Sincerely, 

WADA’s Athlete Engagement Team 
 
Save the date


17 April 2026
Play True Day 2026


2026 Regional Symposiums:

Europe: Baku, Azerbaijan on 18-19 March 
Africa: Cairo, Egypt on 28-29 April 
Asia and Oceania: Beijing, China on 2-3 June
Americas: Lima, Peru on 1-2 July

 

 

 
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2026-01-30 The Asian Kickboxing Confederation Announces the Organizational Modality of Its Upcoming General Assembly. https://wakoasia.com/2026-01-30-the-asian-kickboxing-confederation-announces-the-organizational-modality-of-its-upcoming-general-assembly/ Fri, 30 Jan 2026 12:00:00 +0000 https://wakoasia.com/?p=5422 The Asian Kickboxing Confederation announces the formal procedures for the organization of its next General Assembly, scheduled to take place on 16 February 2026 by means of written resolutions made by circulation, in accordance with the Statutes of the Confederation as amended on 12 December 2022.

On 31 January 2026, the independent law firm AARPI MBAA, duly mandated by  Asian Confederation the to oversee the organizational process, released to all voting members the complete set of documents relating to the items proposed for written resolution. These materials were prepared by the Board of Directors, together with any documents submitted by Members pursuant to Article 27.5(b) of the Statutes. The process was carried out in collaboration with the Commission of the General Assembly and the Confederation’s administration.

Acting on behalf of the Asian Confederation, Law Firm AARPI MBAA notified all voting national federations of the official notice, the list of nominees with their biographies, the proxy voting card, and all related documentation.

In addition, Law Firm AARPI MBAA circulated the proxy statement, which detailed essential voting information including the record date, quorum requirements, voting rights, required majorities for each proposal, and the tabulation process. Voting members were encouraged to review the proxy statement in conjunction with the documentation for the General Assembly of 16 February 2026.

The Asian Kickboxing Confederation intends to announce the preliminary voting results during the General Assembly, in line with good governance practices and applicable regulations.

Mr. Sina Zahedi, Secretary General of the Asian Kickboxing Confederation, stated:

“Beyond the rules governing the duration of mandates and the timing of elections, the Statutes of the Asian Kickboxing Confederation, as amended on 12 December 2022, expressly provide a mechanism allowing the General Assembly to be convened and conducted by means of written resolutions made by circulation. These Statutes explicitly authorize the General Assembly, including an electoral General Assembly, to be conducted in this manner, provided that the Board of Directors reasonably justifies the use of this procedure and complies with the procedural guarantees established in Article 27.5.”

Mr. Zahedi continued:

“Several objective and documented circumstances justify this approach: regional instability affecting the free circulation of National Members; financial constraints limiting Members’ ability to travel; the need to ensure timely renewal of governing bodies at the end of the four‑year mandate; the obligation to avoid governance paralysis or institutional vacuum; and the statutory requirement under Articles 12.2 and 13.6 to hold elections ‘at the next electoral General Assembly’ once conditions allow. Taken together, these circumstances constitute a reasonable justification within the meaning of Article 17.1, paragraph R(2).”

He added:

“The administration consulted the accredited law firm and obtained a legal opinion regarding the possibility of convening the General Assembly by written resolution made by circulation. The legal opinion confirms that the Board’s decision satisfies the principles of necessity and proportionality, as (i) a physical General Assembly is impracticable due to travel restrictions, instability, and financial burdens on Members, and (ii) the written‑resolution method ensures full participation, transparency, and procedural safeguards without imposing undue burdens on Members.”

The Asian Kickboxing Confederation expresses its sincere appreciation to Law Firm AARPI MBAA, the Commission, consultants, and all individuals involved for their outstanding work in preparing the notice, proxy statement, and related documents, which are comprehensive and self‑explanatory.

Public Relations Department
Asian Kickboxing Confederation

Notice information, Proxy Statement General Assembly of 16 February 2026

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2025-12-31 Formal Notice of Call – Asian Kickboxing Confederation General Assembly – 16 February 2026 https://wakoasia.com/formal-notice-of-call-asian-kickboxing-confederation-general-assembly-16-february-2026/ Wed, 31 Dec 2025 14:15:00 +0000 https://wakoasia.com/?p=5376 Dear Members of Asian Kickboxing Confederation (WAKO ASIA)

Pursuant to Article 21 (Notification of the General Assembly), as well as Article 21.3, and in conformity with Article 27 (Minutes of the General Assembly – Written Resolutions), Article 27.4 of the Statutes of the Asian Kickboxing Confederation, and on behalf of Mr. Nasser Nassiri, President of the Asian Kickboxing Confederation, together with the members of the Board of Directors, please take a note of the formal notice of the next General Assembly of the Asian Kickboxing Confederation, which will take place on Monday, 16 February 2026, at the registered office of the Asian Kickboxing Confederation, 40 Togolok-Moldo Street, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, 720001, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Bishkek time).
The General Assembly is convened to be held on 16 February 2026 by means of written resolutions made by circulation, in accordance with Article 27.5 of the Statutes of the Asian Kickboxing Confederation, as amended on 12 December 2022.
The members who did not receive the agenda and formal notice are requested to immediately contact the Asian Confederation’s administration office at info@wakoasia.com, the Commission of the General Assembly at commission@wakoasia.com, and the Law Firm AARPI MBAA at legal@mbaa-avocats.com, duly mandated by the decision of the Board of Directors to organize the General Assembly of 16 February 2026 in collaboration of the Commission of the General Assembly and Confederation’s administration in compliance with the Statutes of the Asian Kickboxing Confederation, as amended on 12 December 2022.
The administration of the Asian Kickboxing Confederation remains at your disposal for any further information or clarification you may require.
We take this opportunity to wish you and a healthy, successful, and prosperous New Year 2026.

Best regards,
Administration
Asian Kickboxing Confederation

Cc:

  • Law Firm AARPI MBAA,
  • The Commission of the General Assembly of 16 February 2026.

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2025-12- 20 Asian Kickboxing Confederation Launches the “Solidarity Coach” Program at the 33rd SEA Games https://wakoasia.com/2025-12-20-asian-kickboxing-confederation-launches-the-solidarity-coach-program-at-the-33rd-sea-games/ Sat, 20 Dec 2025 00:46:00 +0000 https://wakoasia.com/?p=5323

Bangkok, Thailand 

The Kickboxing competition of the 33rd SEA Games Thailand 2025 was held from 13 to 16 December 2025 with the great success with the participation of 8 NOCs of Sout East Asia (Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia, Myanmar, Malaysia, Singapore, Lao) with the total number of entries by participating NOCs with fifty (50) athletes in participation (thirty-three (33) male and seventeen (17) female athletes).
The Kickboxing competition comprised eight (8) events across three (3) ring styles, Full Contact, Low Kick, and K1 and two (2) tatami styles, Point Fighting and Kick Light. These events featured both male and female competitors, with a total of five (5) men’s events and three (3) women’s events in designated weight categories.
During the Team Managers’ Meeting of the Kickboxing Competition at the 33rd SEA Games, the President of the Asian Kickboxing Confederation, Mr. Nassiri, officially announced the launch of the “Solidarity Coach” program , a historic first for the sport of kickboxing.
The establishment of the Solidarity Coach initiative follows a proposal by President Nassiri, supported by the recommendations of the Coaches and Athletes Committee, and formally approved by the Board of Directors of the Asian Kickboxing Confederation.
For the first time in the history of Kickboxing, a dedicated support structure has been created to assist national teams, their coaches, and participating athletes during major events. The Solidarity Coach program is designed to provide technical guidance, regulatory support, and practical assistance to teams, particularly those with limited resources to provide the necessary numbers of the coches or those less familiar with the latest rules and competition procedures.
As the inaugural step of this program, the Asian Kickboxing Confederation has appointed Mr. Mehrdad Khossolok (IRAN) and Mr. Tokhir Marasulov  (Kyrgyzstan) as the first Solidarity Coaches. They will support coaches and athletes representing various National Olympic Committees (NOCs) of Southeast Asia throughout the kickboxing competitions of the 33rd SEA Games.
Teams that wished to receive targeted assistance during the competition were invited to submit a written request in advance to the Technical Delegate. For the Kickboxing competition of the 33rd SEA Games Thailand 2025, requests were addressed to the Technical Delegate, Dr. Euncheon Jeong, within a reasonable timeframe prior to the relevant competition sessions.
In addition to team‑specific support, the Solidarity Coaches remained available to all participating delegations for professional guidance on equipment selection, technical requirements, and other essential competition matters.
Representatives of national teams and NOCs attending the meeting and the competition expressed their appreciation for President Nassiri’s initiative, recognizing it as a unique and valuable opportunity that strengthens fairness, inclusivity, and the overall development of Kickboxing across the region and in Asia.

Public Relations Department 
Asian Kickboxing Confederation

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