MUAY THAI: Boxing, Muay Thai, Gymnastics and Cycling towards Thai olympics

To celebrate the launch of Muaythai towards the Highest Sporting Recognition, to be recognised by the International Olympic Committee and to be included in the World Games and also the launch of IFMA/WMC’s latest charity project “Sport Is Your Gang”, a gala reception was held in the luxurious 5-star Centara Grand hotel adjacent to the Bangkok Convention Centre in Thailand. Many VIPs and Executives from the world sporting community traveled to Bangkok and made inspired speeches in support of muaythai and its various social projects. 

Mr. Hein Verbruggen, President of SportAccord praised the social work that IFMA and WMC has been doing. He also shared his impression of muaythai’s outstanding performance at the 1st SportAccord World Combat Games held in 2010 in Beijing, and especially commended IFMA’s focus on communicating the culture and tradition of the sport which was brilliantly showcased at the Muaythai Cultural Night at the Athlete’s Square. 

Mr Ron Froehlich President of the International World Games Association ( chairman emeritus of the USA Gymnastics Board of Directors) thanked IFMA for their hospitality and stressed that he was very impressed with the long-time Muaythai Against Drugs programme and IFMA/WMC’s new initiative for the “Sport Is Your Gang” campaign. 

IOC member and President of AIBA Ching-Kuo Wu said that he has been an observer of all the work done by IFMA in the last decade and has been impressed by how the federation has truly and deservedly gained world recognition. Dr. Nat Indrapana, IOC member stated that as Thai it was a proud day and there was still much work to be done to fulfil all the IOC requirements.  

General Chetta Thanajaro President of World Muaythai Council established under directive of the Royal Thai Government, thanked the international muaythai community for all the hard work done to foster and promote muaythai.  

Stephan Fox, Vice President of the WMC and General Secretary of IFMA made a detailed presentation about the various social projects muaythai has been heavily involved with and asked all executive representatives of the 40 embassies present at the reception for their support and close cooperation with their relative National Federations. Dr. Sakchye Tapsuwan concluded the reception by asking everyone to raise their glasses for a toast to all visiting guests and gave warm thanks for everyone’s kind support of the evening’s initiatives.