Mohamed Mouktabil, President of the Royal Moroccan Karate Federation, exclusively: “I am a candidate for the presidency of UFAK, so vote for change!”
With nearly 40 years of experience, Mohamed Mouktabil, president of the Royal Moroccan Federation of Karate and Associated Disciplines since 2004, is one of the serious candidates to run for the presidency of the Union of African Karate Federations (UFAK) at the elective General Assembly on July 23 in Abuja, Nigeria.
The candidate for change has great ambitions to restore the image of African karate. “I propose a ‘united, ambitious, and transparent’ vision, where each country will have its place. Together, we can make Africa a world karate power,” Mr. Mouktabil told us in an interview he kindly granted us during our stay in Tetouan, Morocco. As a 5th dan, the current president of the Northern Karate Zone and former police prefect at the Royal Palace for 38 years, is deeply committed to Moroccan and African karate. Follow the interview!
Aujourd’hui-Mali: For our readers, who are you? And what is your background in the sport of karate?
Mohamed Mouktabil: You have Mouktabil Mohamed, president of the Royal Moroccan Federation of Karate and Associated Disciplines since 2004. I have been a 5th dan black belt in karate since 1992. President of the Northern Zone, I am also a member of the executive committee of the Union of African Karate Federations (UFAK).
How is Moroccan karate doing today?
I believe Moroccan karate is on the rise today, thanks to remarkable international results (medals at African and world championships) and the solid structuring of regional leagues. Most importantly, the next generation is being ensured by young talents trained in specialized academies, such as that of the Royal Moroccan Karate Federation (FRMK). However, challenges remain, particularly in terms of funding and media coverage.
What policy is in place to reach this stage?
The Royal Moroccan Federation of Karate and Associated Disciplines has focused its policy on training technical staff through national and international training courses, particularly in Japan and Europe. There is also competition, with systematic participation in continental and world events. And, above all, youth development, with school and university programs to identify talent. Since there are already school and university conventions,
Regarding partnerships, it must be said that we have very good relations with the Ministry of Sports and certain private sponsors.
What place does Morocco occupy on a global level today?
Morocco is among the World Karate Federation’s top 15, ranking first in Africa alongside Egypt and Algeria. Athletes like Said and Baya are ranked number one in the world. Nasry Sanae Agalmame, Hani Bilal Hakimi, and Btissam Sadini have all made their mark on the recent history of world karate.
Abuja will host the General Assembly of the Union of African Karate Federations on July 23. What are the challenges?
I believe that one of the key issues of this general assembly will be, first and foremost, transparency and governance. It will be about strengthening the credibility of the Union of African Karate Federations, after years of criticized management.
It will also be an opportunity to standardize technical and financial standards in terms of continental development. It will also focus on preparation for the next Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028. And there, I think African karate could return to the Olympic Games. For this, Africa must be ready.
Are you a candidate? If so, why?
Yes, I am running for president of the Union of African Karate Federations at the elective General Assembly scheduled for this month in Abuja, Nigeria. I am running to break with dysfunctions, particularly the lack of transparency and the centralization of resources. My goal will be to professionalize African karate through professional federations and sponsors. This is a way to promote Africa in global forums (WKF).
What are your strengths for running for the presidency of the Union?
I think my main asset is my experience in the field of karate, as a former athlete and leader of the Royal Moroccan Karate Federation, with proven successes. We are the world’s leading organization of international championships and ranked in the Top 10 for results.
When I joined the Federation in 2004, the number of karate associations was estimated at 300, and today we have 1,000 associations and 350,000 practitioners, 1,870 national referees and 28 world referees. While there were only 170 national referees and 3 world referees.
I build strong relationships with the WKF and European and Asian federations. I have a pragmatic vision with concrete projects through the Pan-African Academies and the Development Fund.
What strategy did you use to convince the delegates?
I believe the best strategy for convincing delegates is firstly individual consultations, listening to the needs of each federation. I also have a turnkey program through a costed action plan. For example, I propose a 30% increase, particularly in junior competitions, over three years.
Regarding strategic alliances, it will involve supporting federations that do not have the technical and financial means with performance contracts.
If you are elected, what will be your priorities to restore the image of African karate?
If I am elected president, the first thing I will do is place particular emphasis on transparency within the Union of African Karate Federations. This will necessarily involve a financial audit and the publication of the accounts.
Next will come training, with the creation of a continental refereeing and coaching center, and media coverage to increase the visibility of our activities through partnership agreements with television channels and other organizations. Equity will also be my fight, with quotas for certain federations to benefit from international training courses.
What is your opinion of karate in Africa?
I believe African karate has strengths in terms of its wealth of talent and the passion of its practitioners. As for weaknesses, there’s a lack of infrastructure, North/South inequality, and, above all, amateurish management. As for opportunities, karate can become a flagship sport with renewed governance.
How do you judge the governance of the outgoing office?
If we talk about governance within the outgoing board of the Union of African Karate Federations, we must recognize that there are positive points, such as the organization of several major competitions. As for the negative points, we can mention financial opacity, the lack of a development strategy, and, above all, favoritism.
What are your relations with other African federations?
We have very good, collaborative and respectful relationships, based on dialogue with regular meetings to harmonize schedules. We also share Moroccan expertise. For example, joint training courses with African and European federations take place well after an agreement has been signed by both parties.
Do you have a message for the delegates at the AGM on July 23?
On July 23, you will have the choice between perpetuating the status quo or writing a new page in African karate. I propose a “united, ambitious, and transparent” vision, in which every country has its place. Together, we can make Africa a global karate powerhouse.
