It has been six years since Thailand had the honour to host an IFMA World Cup. 2011 saw an outstanding championship in Uzbekistan, 2012 was Russia, 2013 was the year of the World Combat Games, and 2014 saw 101 countries travelling to Langkawi, Malaysia. For this year, 2015, Thailand has won the bid, and it will be the biggest single-sporting event in the history of Thailand with the greatest awards given: the three Royal Trophies in one event.
His Majesty the King’s Trophy will be presented to the best male national team, Her Majesty the Queen’s Trophy will be presented to the best female national team, and His Royal Highness the Prince’s Trophy will be given to the presented to the best junior team. The Royal World Cup is scheduled for the 13th to the 22nd of August 2015.
President of IFMA, Dr Sakchye Tapsuwan stated that having this event is an honour for the entire country. Having the three Royal Trophies is an honour for the entire sport, and Thailand will open their homes, hearts and treasures to the visitors from over 100 countries.
IFMA Sport Director, Charissa Tynan said that a lot of work will go into this event, as we decided to hold the IFMA junior championships during the same time, there will be so many other activities, meetings, and we expect over 3000 people to travel to Thailand for this event.
IFMA General Secretary Stephan Fox stated that it has been an amazing journey for Muaythai, now fully included in The World Games, recognized by FISU, and everyone is excited to have an event back in the motherland for 10 days, it will be a Muaythai festival, where the athletes will take the center stage, and many activities are planned. We are family. Even special kids playgrounds will be put up. Special sustainability programs are in place, AGMs, Executive Board Meetings, Commission Meetings and many other events.
IFMA Vice President Sue Glassy, and Chair of the Female Commission stated that the ratio of male and female is getting closer and closer. A lot of work has been done around the world, and as always, a special workshop will take place with the IFMA Social Responsibility program together with UN Women. As a former champion in the sport, I am truly honoured to be a part in giving back to Muaythai.
Pernilla Johansson, three-time Muaythai world champion, president of the Swedish Muaythai Federatoin and chair of the IFMA Youth Commission said that it fantastic that the youth world championship had been made part of this Royal event, at the center of the entire 10 days will be the youth, as they are our future. Now with Muaythai included in so many multi-sport games, we must continue to plan for the future as the youth will represent our sport, their countries, families and themselves around the world.
