A comprehensive study by the Institute for Research and Information in Social Science (IRIS) highlighted karate’s strong performance during its first Olympic appearance, noting that the sport achieved a net audience reach of 48.4 million spectators across 19 analysed markets. IRIS, a leading research agency, deemed this reach a “success,” emphasising karate’s ability to engage a diverse and global audience.

Further reinforcing karate’s Olympic success, a study conducted by Publicis Sport & Entertainment (PSE) positioned karate in the median range of all sports during the Tokyo 2020 Games in terms of average audience size and consideration as a favorite sport among the general public across 83 territories. The study also revealed that karate outperformed the average Olympic sport in terms of internet searches and appeal among younger audiences, showcasing its potential to engage the next generation of sports fans.

Another significant study by Nielsen Sports, commissioned by the World Karate Federation (WKF), found that karate outshined other martial arts disciplines in key markets such as France, the United States, and Japan. The sport not only attracted a higher number of core and interested fans during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics but also recorded a higher average audience per broadcast in these regions, underscoring its value as a standout Olympic sport.

In light of these findings, karate’s exclusion from the Paris 2024 Games is even more perplexing. Many believe that had karate been given a second Olympic appearance, it would have built on its Tokyo 2020 momentum, further elevating its status and solidifying its place on the world’s biggest stage. As the Paris 2024 Olympics progressed, the absence of karate became more conspicuous, leaving fans, athletes, and sports enthusiasts worldwide questioning the decision.

Despite the success of karate at the Tokyo Games, no official reasons for its exclusion from Paris 2024 were ever provided. As the Games unfolded, it became increasingly evident that there were no justifiable reasons for karate’s absence.

The inclusion of karate in the Paris 2024 Games would have brought several added benefits. The sport resonates strongly with younger audiences, a demographic crucial for the continued success and evolution of the Olympics. Karate’s global appeal also would have provided more opportunities for diverse nations to win medals and gain recognition on the world stage.

Moreover, France is home to some of the world’s top karate practitioners, and the inclusion of the sport would have showcased local stars, creating a larger platform for their talents. Karate’s broad reach and strong fan base also offer numerous commercial opportunities for sponsors and brands, which could have contributed to the overall success of the Games.

Finally, karate embodies the core principles of the Olympic values, respect, honour, and fairness. Its inclusion would have highlighted these ideals on a global platform, further enriching the Olympic experience.

The global karate community, along with millions of fans, believes that the sport’s inclusion in the Paris 2024 Games would have brought added excitement, energy, and global engagement. As the Olympic Games continue to evolve, the return of karate to the program is eagerly anticipated, with hopes that it will once again take its place on the world’s most prestigious sporting stage.