The Japanese-born Australian will compete in the 75kg kumite division as the sport makes its Olympic debut.

Boasting four Oceania championships and going undefeated at the national titles since 2001, Yahiro locked in his Tokyo ticket by virtue of his international ranking.

Chef de Mission of the Australian Olympic Team Ian Chesterman congratulated Yahiro on today’s selection.

“I’m delighted to announce Tsuneari as Australia’s first karate Olympian,” Mr Chesterman said. “After more than two decades devoted to honing his skills, it is a fitting reward he will make history as the sport makes its Olympic debut.

“With Japan’s fervour for karate and confirmation from organisers there will be local spectators in Tokyo, I’m sure Tsuneari will be competing in a fantastic atmosphere.

“Thank you to the Australian Karate Federation and to all of those people who have helped Tsuneari achieve today’s milestone.”

The 33-year-old, currently in hotel quarantine after returning from the final Olympic qualification tournament in Paris, said today’s announcement was a dream come true.

“For us Karatekas to be able to come back to Japan where Karate started and showcase our skills is amazing,” Yahiro said. “Especially with being born in Japan before moving to Australia when I was 18 months, fighting in Japan for my first Olympic Games feels like it’s destiny.

“It’s so good to be able to share this moment with all the people who have supported me to achieve this.

“It really means everything to me that I am Australia’s first karate Olympian. It was a goal I set five years ago now I’ve actually achieved it. It’s a real honour to make history. I’m going to fight with all my heart and giving it my all.”

Australian Karate Federation CEO Ian Basckin welcomed today’s announcement.

“I am so thrilled to see Tsuneari announced as Australia’s first ever Olympic karateka,” Mr Basckin said. “To compete on the world’s biggest stage in the home of karate is a great honour.

"The Australian Karate Federation would like to thank and congratulate all of those who have been involved in the process leading up to this great opportunity. With specific thanks to the national coaches who made this happen. I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate the athletes who worked so hard in their attempts to qualify.

“There are tens of thousands of young Australians practicing and competing in karate around the country each week, and we can’t wait for all of them and the wider Australian community to see karate on the Olympic stage.”

The Karate competition will run from 5-7 August at the Nippon Budokan. Find out more about Karate in the infographic below.

Karate Snapshot