BANGKOK (ANN/THE NATION) – In a groundbreaking development for Muay Thai, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is acknowledging its triumphs in 2023 by including the sport in the lineup for future Summer Olympic Games.
Charissa Tynan, General Secretary of the International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA), headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, proudly announced IFMA’s reiteration as an organisation adhering rigorously to the standards set by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
IFMA directs an annual investment of nearly THB15 million towards education, pre- and post-competition testing, knowledge-sharing initiatives, and testing services through the International Testing Agency.
In 2023, it was the first time that IFMA participated in the European Games and was recognised as one of the standout sports in that tournament. Another notable achievement in the past year is the official recognition of Muay Thai by the Union of Africa Sports Confederations (UCSA).
Muaythai emerged as one of the most popular sports and arts at the 2023 World Combat Games, featuring in all medal events, including Mai Muay, Wai Kru, Para, Special, and Muay Combat.
The 2023 Youth World Championships in Antalya attracted over 3000 youths from more than 100 countries, showcasing the global appeal and participation in the sport.
The IFMA Senior World Championships, held in Thailand, marked the celebration of IFMA’s 30th Anniversary, drawing participation from over 100 countries to commemorate this significant milestone.
In addition, IFMA also supports prize money exceeding USD30 million for continental competitions across all five continents, namely Africa, Europe, Asia, Oceania, and Pan America. Furthermore, IFMA manages professional-level competitions with over 1,000 events.
For the complete event calendar in 2024, it is yet to be announced. Anticipations suggest that 2024 is poised to be another significant year for Muay Thai, potentially marking another grand year for the sport.
