Portugal’s national kickboxing team is competing in the World Association of Kickboxing Organizations (WAKO) World Championships in Abu Dhabi this week, facing a domestic crisis over its national federation’s official recognition and the use of public funds.
The Portuguese government recently withdrew the public utility status of the Portuguese Kickboxing and Muaythai Federation (FPKM), leaving the sport in administrative limbo.
Despite this ongoing uncertainty, a team of 21 athletes is competing under the umbrella of FNKDA, a federation linked to WAKO, the sport’s global governing body. The championships began on Monday.
National coach Raúl Lemos sharply criticized the situation, highlighting the contradiction of public money being allocated to a national federation not recognized by WAKO. He stated that the FPKM’s international affiliation is solely with a commercial events company, ISKA.
“I have a lot of faith and belief in the truth,” Lemos said. “I understood that the government rightly stopped recognizing a national federation that the International Federation (WAKO) does not recognize. This makes sense, especially since we are talking about program contracts and public money applied to a federation that is not internationally recognized.”
Lemos noted that appeals have been filed against the government’s decision, placing Portuguese kickboxing “at stake” once more. The team has medal potential in the championships, which are officially sanctioned by the Olympic Committee.
“Here we all fight for a flag and for a country, no matter what happens,” Lemos added. “There are 21 brave athletes here ready for anything.”
Lemos directly challenged Margarida Balseiro Lopes, Portugal’s Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sport, by drawing a parallel to football. He questioned whether she would permit the national football team to compete without FIFA registration, or support a team affiliated only with a commercial entity.
The World Championships in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, feature a record number of participants globally and are described as highly competitive.
“This World Championship is packed with athletes,” Lemos commented. “We have many athletes in each category. I expect a good performance. It’s all very unpredictable, but I think it will go well.”
The team draws inspiration from recent international success, including Catarina Dias’s gold medal at the World Games.
“It will be an extra motivation for her, but also for her colleagues,” Lemos said. “Everyone trained to give their maximum. We have potential.”
Lemos also offered advice to rookie athletes, acknowledging their fear as a natural and beneficial alert. He emphasized the invaluable experience of competing on a world stage, regardless of the outcome.
“They have to give their maximum and make the most of it,” he concluded. “They will only learn, win or lose.”