Karate's Absence from Paris 2024 Games Sparks Controversy
The decision to exclude karate from the Paris 2024 Olympics has ignited significant frustration among athletes, particularly from gold medalist Steven Da Costa. The 27-year-old karateka took to social media to express his disappointment, criticizing Tony Estanguet, the president of the Paris 2024 organizing committee, for failing to advocate for the inclusion of karate. Da Costa's passionate remarks highlight the emotional toll this decision has taken on athletes who have dedicated years to their sport. He stated, "Tony Estanguet did not fight. He did nothing for us… NOTHING!"
The exclusion of karate, which was featured in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, is a major shift in the Olympic program, replaced by breaking, a dance discipline that will debut in Paris. Da Costa lamented this change, expressing his deep regret and calling it a painful situation. He emphasized that while he respects the dedication of athletes in other disciplines, the decision to remove karate has left many feeling sidelined and unrecognized.
Comparing Olympic Hosts: Paris 2024 vs. Los Angeles 2028
Da Costa's criticism extended beyond the immediate disappointment of karate's absence; he drew comparisons with the upcoming Los Angeles 2028 Games. He noted that the Los Angeles organizing committee has surpassed the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) athlete quota, actively fighting to include sports that resonate with their national identity and could potentially yield medals. This contrast underscores a perceived lack of advocacy from Paris 2024 for disciplines that hold significance in the host country.
In previous statements, Da Costa has consistently expressed his dismay over karate's exclusion, emphasizing that the decision is more than just a matter of sport; it reflects the broader issue of representation and recognition within the Olympic framework. As the countdown to the Paris Games continues, the karate community is left grappling with the implications of this decision and the future of their sport on the global stage.
- Steven Da Costa, who won a gold medal in karate at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, has been vocal about his disappointment regarding the exclusion of karate from the Paris 2024 Games. The athlete's social media outburst reflects a broader concern among karate practitioners about the recognition and inclusion of their sport in major international competitions. The decision to replace karate with breaking has been criticized not only for sidelining a traditional martial art but also for potentially affecting the morale of athletes who have invested significant time and effort into their training. Da Costa's comments highlight the emotional struggle faced by those who feel their sport is being overlooked in favor of newer, less established disciplines.
