On the morning of 13 September 2026, at the Tây Thạnh Culture and Sports Club in Tây Thạnh Ward, the Ho Chi Minh City Karatedo Federation (HKF) held a conference between its Standing Committee and directly affiliated committees. The conference presented personnel appointment decisions, formally introduced the specialist committees, and discussed and approved their regulations and operational plans, marking an important step in consolidating the Federation’s structure for the 2025–2030 term.

HKF President Vũ Việt Bảo chaired the conference, attended by members of the Standing Committee and the leaders and members of the directly affiliated committees. Its central focus was to move the organisational structure from its establishment phase into operational implementation, with more clearly defined functions, duties and coordination responsibilities.

Strengthening the organisation through implementation accountability

Under the programme, the conference reviewed the regulations and operational plans of the Committees for Policy, Legal Affairs and External Relations; Grassroots Development; High-Performance Development; Refereeing and Technical; and Communications, Information and Science and Technology. It also heard a report on the staffing of the Economic Affairs and Sponsorship Committee.

• Grassroots Development strengthens the foundation of Karate at the local level.
• High-Performance Development advises on building the athlete pipeline and setting technical objectives.
• Refereeing and Technical ensures technical standards in competitions and grade and dan promotion examinations.
• Policy, Legal Affairs and External Relations; Economic Affairs and Sponsorship; and Communications, Information and Science and Technology provide the governance framework, resources and connectivity capacity for the Federation.

The guiding principle throughout is to align personnel, regulations, plans and implementation accountability. Regulations must provide a clear governance framework while avoiding unnecessary administrative layers; each task must identify a lead unit and coordinating units, and be adjusted to meet practical requirements.

Investment in high performance and digital capability

The High-Performance Development Committee was designated as the focal point for advising, proposing and coordinating the development of high-performance Karate in Ho Chi Minh City. Its operational direction includes researching development programmes; monitoring and evaluating athletes and coaches; identifying young athletes, talented athletes and promising prospects; and analysing results at city, national and international competitions to support team development.

The Standing Committee emphasised that high-performance work must be carried out through coordination and mutual support among the Federation, state management authorities, specialist units, clubs, coaches and athletes. This provides the basis for identifying talent from grassroots participation, building a next-generation pipeline and enhancing the standing of the City’s Karate at major competitions.

Representatives of the High-Performance Development Committee at the conference, with an activity-plan document.

Alongside technical work, the Communications, Information and Science and Technology Committee was tasked with advising on and organising the implementation of work relating to communications, data, digital transformation, research, and science and technology applications. The Committee will participate in managing the Federation’s official information channels, digital assets, information systems, databases and technology platforms.

In the period ahead, the hkf.vn website will gradually become the information hub for Ho Chi Minh City’s Karate community, regularly updating competitions, training camps, examinations, chapter activities, clubs, athletes, coaches and inspiring Karate stories. The conference also agreed to increase the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to support editing, multimedia content production, graphic design, data management and greater communications productivity.

The Communications, Information and Science and Technology Committee at the conference, with its activity-plan document.

Developing grassroots participation, mobilising resources and completing the governance framework

Regarding resources, Vice President Lê Văn Bé Hai provided an update on the staffing of the Economic Affairs and Sponsorship Committee. The Committee is directed to progressively complete its organisation, establish suitable operating mechanisms, and connect businesses, sponsors and social resources in support of the City’s Karate.

Sponsorship mobilisation must be professional and transparent, supported by appropriate documentation and financial mechanisms. It must both safeguard the legitimate interests of sponsors and preserve the Federation’s reputation. In the immediate term, securing resources for competitions and major events is a priority; over the longer term, the goal is to build a stable network of supporting partners.

Representatives of the Economic Affairs and Sponsorship Committee at the conference.

The Grassroots Development Committee is responsible for advising on and implementing measures to develop membership, support the establishment of new chapters, and improve the quality and effectiveness of activities at directly affiliated chapters. Its work aims to strengthen the grassroots Karate network, support chapters and clubs, and promote training, exchanges and competitions, thereby widening access to Karate, particularly for young people.

Representatives of the Grassroots Development Committee at the conference.

Meanwhile, the Policy, Legal Affairs and External Relations Committee was established to help ensure that HKF activities are implemented in compliance with regulations, transparently and professionally, while expanding cooperation. The Committee advises on policy development, legal appraisal, legal research, external cooperation and international integration. It also coordinates with domestic and international agencies and organisations in accordance with the Federation Charter, cooperation agreements and legal regulations.

Representatives of the Policy, Legal Affairs and External Relations Committee at the conference.

Standardising technical work and operating as a unified ecosystem

The conference also devoted significant attention to the Refereeing and Technical Committee. Vice President Trịnh Ngọc Hoàng was responsible for presenting the Committee’s regulations and operational plan. The Committee serves as the advisory body for refereeing, technical matters and judges; manages specialist personnel; participates in the operation of competitions and grade and dan promotion examinations; and organises training, professional development, assessment and personnel development.

In the period ahead, the Committee will work towards standardising technical processes, improving the quality of referees and judges, and creating conditions for the City’s personnel to progress to higher levels. Technical activities must ensure objectivity, fairness and compliance with standards, as well as with the competition rules of the World Karate Federation (WKF) and relevant regulations.

The simultaneous consolidation of the committees reflects the direction of building a unified development ecosystem: grassroots participation provides the foundation; high performance creates the spearhead; refereeing and technical work ensures professional standards; policy, legal affairs and external relations provide the framework and connections; economic affairs and sponsorship generate resources; while communications, information and science and technology create reach and momentum for innovation. In the remaining months of 2026, the committees will enter the practical implementation phase, continuing to test and refine HKF’s new coordination mechanisms.