History of WAKO INDIA Kickboxing Federation:

WAKO INDIA came into existence in India with the name and style “Indian Association of Kickboxing Organizations (IAKO)” in the year 1993 under the leadership of Mr. S. S. Harichandan as President. Later on, the organization was renamed as “National Kickboxing Federation, N. G.” in the year 2013 and shifted its Head Quarters from Bhubaneswar to Pune when Mr. C. A. Tamboli got  elected as the President.
In order to give a new shape and dimension to Kickboxing sport in the country, the Federation had to undergo one more change in the name and its set up. As a result of this mandatory change took place in the month of June, 2017, ''National Kickboxing Federation NG'' has now renamed as “WAKO INDIA KICKBOXING FEDERATION” (WAKO INDIA) with Head Quarters & Regd. Office at No. 7, 1st Floor, Achievers Centre Point Mall, Sector – 49, Faridabad – 121 001, Haryana, INDIA. This Federation, popularly known as “WAKO INDIA” is now headed by Mr. Santosh K. Agrawal as President.

‘WAKO INDIA KICKBOXING FEDERATION’ officially recognized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of INDIA as National Sports Federation on 02nd July 2021. This is recognition and NSF status helped WAKO India to take forward its ultimate aim of ‘Redefining Kickboxing Sport in INDIA’. Mr. Santosh K. Agrawal, President of WAKO INDIA took this day of historic and milestone achievement as an occasion for all persons related with Kickboxing sport in India for celebration and declared 2nd July as a “National Kickboxing Day” for the sport of Kickboxing in India.

WAKO (IF) is recognized by International Olympic Committee (IOC). WAKO (IF) has global presence. Across the globe, total 147 countries are affiliated to WAKO (IF). Earlier, WAKO India stood at 47th position in the ranking of WAKO (IF) among 147 countries. By its persistent hard work, at present WAKO India has attained 47th position in world ranking and continuously making efforts to go close to the top global ranking. In Asian continent, WAKO India is at 4th ranking among Asian countries.

WAKO India has 34 Affiliates across the country which includes States and Union Territories and all of them are registered with the respective State Sports Authorities and a few of them have recognition from State Olympic Associations. Since their existence, all these Affiliated Associations are working very closely with their Sports Authorities and State Olympic Associations for the development of Kickboxing Sport in the country. All these 34 Affiliates have representations in their respective State through Associates at District level thus ensuring development of Kickboxing Sport at village level. WAKO India wants to expand horizon by entering into the most remote areas of the country and want to set the benchmark for other competitors.

WAKO India has been conducting a lot of competitions in the country with the help of our Affiliates, Sports Authorities and State Olympic Associations and received an overwhelming response for Kickboxing Sport activities.

WAKO India is regularly imparting technical education and upgrading all the concerned Referees and Coaches from time to time by conducting various technical seminars/training camps and events. Reputed famous International Referees and Coaches are being invited in these technical seminars and events to uplift the level of our Technical officials to International level.

Also in the year 2020, we made India proud when WAKO India conducted very first time, very successfully ‘WAKO Indian Open International Kickboxing Tournament” at Talkatora Stadium in New Delhi wherein 12 countries participated. This was indeed a proud moment for India where all the International community realized and appreciated well by submitting that “India is having a great International potential in Kickboxing sport”. We proudly say that our efforts were well appreciated by WAKO (IF) and other countries. Again in 2022, we had successfully conducted the 2nd Indian Open International Kickboxing Tournament during 2nd-6th November 2022 at New Delhi.

In India, this sport has been recognized by the ‘School Games Federation of India (SGFI)’ at the school level and ‘Association of Indian Universities (AIU)’ at the university level by including it in their sports calendar.

In the year 2022, our athletes won 10 medals in World Championship, held in Italy and 25 medals in Asian Kickboxing Championship 2022, held in Thailand.

Overall, India won total 35 medals and its historical achievement for our country and players/coaches brought laurels and fame, which will be remembered by all for long time to come.