Bechir Cherif has been named Honorary President of the Tunisia Karate Federation ©WKF

World Karate Federation (WKF) third vice-president Bechir Cherif has been named as Honorary President of the Tunisia Karate Federation (TKF).

Cherif, who is a member of WKF’s Executive Committee, acted as President of the TKF from 1997 to 2011.

This followed a spell as coach of the Tunisian national karate team which lasted for more than six years.

The eighth-dan black belt, who was born in Gafsa in Tunisia, was declared Honorary President following a decision made by the TKF Executive Bureau, which is headed by President Hassen Korbi and has 12 members.

Boutheina Hasnaoui, right, won silver at the 2012 World Karate Championships in Paris ©Getty Images
Boutheina Hasnaoui, right, won silver at the 2012 World Karate Championships in Paris ©Getty Images

Cherif has been a vice-president of the WKF since 1998, as well as undertaking the roles of first vice-president of the African Karate Federation and head of the Mediterranean Karate Federations Union.

Tunisia has won three medals at the Karate World Championships - two silvers and a bronze.

Ibtissem Hannachi and Boutheina Hasnaoui clinched silver in 2002 and 2012 respectively, with Montassar Tabben earning bronze in 2006.