Gilberto Gaertner highlights electoral rigour, leadership renewal and planning for the Americas; the election of the global chairman is scheduled for Monday.
By Paulo Pinto / Global Sports
Curitiba / Brazil, 24 October 2026
On Sunday (25 October), ITKF Global elected the presidents for three continents in Cairo: Ramy El Mekawy of Egypt for Africa; Ibrahim Al Bakr of Uzbekistan for Asia–Oceania; and Vinícius Sant’Ana Pinto, known as Vina, of Brazil for the Americas. The votes are part of the programme of the 23rd World Championship and precede the election of the global chairman for the 2027–2030 term, scheduled for Monday (26 October).
In an interview with Budô Magazine after voting concluded, Professor Gilberto Gaertner, PhD, chairman of ITKF Global, identified adherence to the statutes and member participation as central commitments of his administration. For Gaertner, the process held in Cairo reflects a principle established when he took office: ensuring that democratic governance is put into practice in institutional decisions and procedures.
“One of our founding principles when we took over the leadership of ITKF Global was that the institution should function in a truly democratic way,” he said.
He explained that this commitment involves aligning the federation with good practices in sports management and compliance, with clearly defined participation criteria, verification of voting eligibility and respect for the statutory rules. According to Gaertner, Secretary-General Luiz Küster oversaw the process, rigorously applying these requirements.
“We held elections for three continents, and all of them followed democratic procedures to the letter, in accordance with our institution’s statutes,” he said. “Only those who were eligible and met all the requirements were allowed to vote.”
Africa: representatives of the national organisations gather in Cairo following the unanimous election of Ramy El Mekawy of Egypt as continental president © ITKF
The minutes of the African and Asia–Oceania elections record unanimous results. In Africa, Ramy El Mekawy received all four votes in an election involving representatives from Algeria, Sudan, Egypt and Libya. In Asia–Oceania, Ibrahim Al Bakr received all five votes from the representatives of Armenia, India, Russia, Oman and Uzbekistan. Gaertner was responsible for counting the votes and announcing the results.
In the Americas, the chairman confirmed Vina’s election by acclamation. Gaertner highlighted the plans presented by the Brazilian to expand ITKF Global’s presence across North, Central and South America, with proposals for growth and development over the next four years.
“He will take office with a very comprehensive programme and an ambitious plan for growth and development,” he said. “He gave an excellent presentation and was elected by acclamation.”
Vina’s arrival represents the change among the three presidencies put to the vote. According to Gaertner, the process resulted in a 33% turnover in leadership, which he considers a healthy development that brings in new ideas and encourages participation in management. Europe did not hold an election on this occasion: its electoral process is scheduled for 2027.
Asia and Oceania: the meeting in Cairo unanimously elected Ibrahim Al Bakr of Uzbekistan to lead the continental organisation © ITKF
The election of the continental presidents also prepares the way for the next stage in the institution’s international governance. On Monday, the leaders will attend the Board of Directors meeting, at which the global chairman is expected to be elected for the 2027–2030 term. The process follows ITKF Global’s model of indirect representation, in which national organisations elect their continental leaders, who participate in the global leadership structure.
Discussing the forthcoming vote, Gaertner argued that the willingness to renew leadership responsibilities should also extend to the position he holds. In his view, consistency between the institution’s stated principles and its actions requires safeguarding the electoral process and making room for leadership renewal.
“I will also set an example by holding the election and bringing fresh impetus to the role of ITKF Global chairman,” he said. “That is the central point and one of our institution’s main commitments to our members.”
