There was great pride and celebration for Thailand yesterday (Feb 26) after it was confirmed the national sport has secured one of final spots on the official medal program for the 2023 European Games in Poland.
The International Federation of Muay Thai Associations, which is recognised by the IOC as the world governing body for the sport, is made up of 146 member National Federations, working united towards promoting Muay Thai as a way of life.
The competition format has been designed to be in line with the standards of the Olympic Movement which strive for full gender equality, a goal that IFMA has been dedicated to achieving over the years. The categories for the European Games will be equal, with 7 male and female divisions and 2 mixed gender team events ensuring complete gender parity for the Muay Thai program at the Games.
IFMA President, Dr. Sakchye Tapsuwan, stated, “Muay Thai is the national sport in Thailand and Asia has been leading the sport over the past decades. Europe has grown in strength, evidenced at the last two World Championships, where the overall winners were teams from Europe.”
The President expressed his gratitude, especially to the EOC for trusting IFMA and thanking Poland, the LOC and government for supporting IFMA’s application.
Charissa Tynan, IFMA Director, stated, “IFMA and Muay Thai is proud to be part of the European Games 2023 and for the EOC to share IFMA’s vision about creating equal opportunities for all abilities and gender. For IFMA, gender equality is not about ticking the box, it is about ensuring that women and men have the same opportunities to shine together on one stage as one family.”
Janice Lyn, Chair of the IFMA Athletes’ Commission and Executive Board Member stated, “This is a historical day for Muay Thai and most importantly, for the athletes of Europe to be part of this important continental multi-sport event governed by the European Olympic Committee. This step forward gives the athletes and the youth a chance to be a part of the Olympic Dream and embody the Olympic Values of Excellence, Friendship and Respect. Thank you to the EOC and Poland for making this dream come true for the European Muay Thai Athletes.”
Rafal Szlachta, IFMA Vice President and President of Polish Muay Thai Federation stated “In both of my positions as the President of PMF and IFMA Vice President, I am proud that our Polish Muay Thai athletes will now have the opportunity to walk alongside their fellow athletes from the other 25 participating sports during the opening ceremony of the 2023 European Games. Poland hosted the 2014 European Championships in the beautiful city of Krakow. The event saw the attendance of over 10,000 spectators which shows the incredible level of popularity and support Muay Thai enjoys in Poland. We are proud, and we are ready.”