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

The Asian Kickboxing Confederation (WAKO Asia), under the leadership of President Nassiri, has extended heartfelt condolences and solidarity to the people of Nepal following the catastrophic flash flood that struck northern Nepal’s Rasuwa District along the Bhote Koshi River.

In an official letter sent today to Mr. Jeevan Ram Shrestha, President of the Nepal Olympic Committee, President Nassiri conveyed the deep sorrow of the Confederation’s Board and members over the immense loss of life and devastation caused by the disaster.

“On behalf of Asian Kickboxing Confederation (WAKO ASIA), its Board, and all our members, I wish to express our deepest condolences and solidarity with the people of Nepal. We stand in unity with the families who have lost loved ones and with the nation during this time of mourning,” wrote President Nassiri.

He further expressed relief that Mr. Shrestha and his colleagues are safe, while extending sympathy to all those affected. The message emphasized the resilience and unity of the Nepali people as a source of strength and healing in the days ahead.

WAKO Asia stands firmly with Nepal during this difficult time and reaffirms its commitment to supporting the spirit of solidarity across the Asian sporting community.

Public Relation Committee
Asian Kickboxing Confederation

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

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

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)

Asian Kickboxing Confederation President Mr. Nasser Nassiri Concludes Official Visit to Cambodia, Strengthening Regional Cooperation and Confirming Major Upcoming Events

Phnom Penh, Cambodia, 7 May 2026

The Asian Kickboxing Confederation (AKC) proudly announces the successful completion of an official visit by Mr. Nasser Nassiri, marking another milestone in the long-standing partnership between AKC and Cambodia Kickboxing Federation.

During his visit, Mr. Nassiri conducted a Technical and Rules Seminar for Cambodia’s elite athletes and technical officials, aimed at elevating the standards of kickboxing in the Kingdom and preparing national teams for upcoming continental and international competitions. The seminar focused on updated AKC regulations, athlete safety, judging criteria, and modern training methodologies.

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Signing of Collaboration Agreement and Exchange Program

A major highlight of the visit was the official signing of a renewed Collaboration Agreement between the Asian Kickboxing Confederation and the Cambodia Kickboxing Federation. The agreement includes:

• Joint development programs for athletes and coaches

• Technical exchange initiatives

• Capacity-building for referees and judges

• Shared competition hosting responsibilities

• Long-term strategic cooperation for regional growth

This agreement reinforces the strong relationship that has existed since 2019, when Cambodia’s National Olympic Committee kickboxing team participated in the 2019 SEA Games in the Philippines, marking the beginning of a new era of cooperation between AKC and CKF.

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Cambodia Confirmed as Host of the 2026 Asian Kickboxing Championships

In a historic moment, the hosting contract for the 2026 Asian Kickboxing Championships was officially signed by Mr. Nassiri (AKC President) and H.E. Sokkharn Heng (President of CKF). This decision reflects Cambodia’s rising reputation as a capable and enthusiastic host of major sporting events.

Cambodia has already demonstrated its organizational excellence by hosting the 2024 Asian Kickboxing Championships in Phnom Penh, which received praise from participating nations for its professionalism, hospitality, and competitive spirit.

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A Partnership Built on Years of Progress

The collaboration between AKC and CKF has grown steadily over the years:

• 2019: Cambodia’s kickboxing team participated in the 30th SEA Games in the Philippines, marking the start of deeper engagement with AKC.

• 2022: Cambodia’s kickboxing team participated in the 31st SEA Games in the Vietnam (postponed due to Covid to 2022), marking the deeper engagement with AKC.

• October 2022: Mr. Nassiri conducted an official visit to Cambodia, strengthening technical cooperation and supporting CKF’s development roadmap.

• 2022: Cambodia participated in two major Asian Championships in Thailand, gaining valuable international experience.

• 2023: Cambodia’s kickboxing team achieved remarkable success at the 32nd SEA Games hosted by Cambodia, showcasing the results of years of investment in athlete development.

• 2024: Phnom Penh successfully hosted the Asian Kickboxing Championships, setting a new benchmark for regional events.

These achievements highlight Cambodia’s rapid rise as a regional powerhouse in kickboxing and its commitment to excellence.

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Looking Ahead: Expanding Opportunities for Cambodia and the Region

With the new agreements in place, both AKC and CKF are preparing for:

• Enhanced athlete development pathways

• Regional training camps and coaching clinics

• Increased international exposure for Cambodian athletes

• Strengthened technical officiating standards

• Broader participation in Asian and world-level competitions

• Preparations for the 2026 Asian Championships and future multi-sport events

Mr. Nassiri praised Cambodia’s progress, stating that the Kingdom has become “one of the most dynamic and promising nations in Asian kickboxing,” and reaffirmed AKC’s commitment to supporting Cambodia’s long-term development.

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About the Asian Kickboxing Confederation (AKC)

AKC is the continental authority for kickboxing in Asia, recognised by Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) as only body in charge of sport of Kickboxing gain Asian continent. 

AKC IS responsible for regulating competitions, developing technical standards, and supporting national federations across the Asia.

About the Cambodia Kickboxing Federation (CKF)

CKF is the national governing body for kickboxing in Cambodia, dedicated to promoting the sport of Kickboxing, developing elite athletes, and representing the Kingdom in regional and international competitions.

We are pleased to inform you that the Law Firm AARPI MBAA, duly mandated by decision of the Board of Directors to organize the General Assembly of 16 February 2026 through written resolutions by circulation, released on 6 May 2026 the official confirmation of compliance and transmission of minutes, together with the key points of the Assembly, to all members of the Asian Kickboxing Confederation, its administration, and commissions.

The Law Firm AARPI MBAA confirmed that the procedures fully complied with the Civil Code of the Kyrgyz Republic, the legal framework applicable to non‑profit organizations, and the Statutes of the Asian Kickboxing Confederation as amended on 12 December 2022. The process and outcome were declared legally valid and consistent with principles of good governance and equal participation. The results have been endorsed by both the Law Firm AARPI MBAA and the Commission of the General Assembly.

We further confirm that the procedure and results of the General Assembly of 16 February 2026 were approved by a supreme majority decision, with over 85% of members returning their votes—all in favor of the election of the full Executive (the President, two Vice Presidents, and seven members of the Board). This strong endorsement reflects the confidence and unity of our membership.

We sincerely apologize for the delay in communication. As the Assembly was conducted via written resolution by circulation and organized by a duly mandated independent law firm, the firm informed us that it was necessary to communicate the results and minutes of the General Assembly to the Ministry of Justice and relevant authorities of the Kyrgyz Republic, where the Confederation headquarters are registered. This process required various administrative steps, including translation from English into the local language and obtaining confirmation of the procedures and results, in accordance with the Statutes of the Asian Confederation, the Civil Code, and the requirements of the relevant authorities of the Kyrgyz Republic.

Furthermore, the confirmation of the procedure has been duly recognized in accordance with the Civil Code and by the relevant authorities, ensuring full compliance with governing regulations, the Statutes of the Asian Confederation, the Civil Code, the Ministry of Justice, and the relevant authorities of the Kyrgyz Republic.

The minutes of the General Assembly are available upon written request to the administration.

At the same time, we wish to express our sincere gratitude to the outgoing members of the Board who are no longer part of the new Executive. Their dedication, commitment, and valuable contributions have greatly supported the growth and development of the Confederation, and their efforts will remain an important part of our history.

Once again, we extend our sincere congratulations to the President and all members of the Executive who were newly elected or re‑elected. We look forward to your leadership and continued contributions to the Confederation and to the development of Kickboxing across the Asian continent and around the globe.

Warm regards,

Administration Office
Asian Kickboxing Confederation

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)

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