The IFMA finals which was televised in over 200 countries exceeded all expectations. It was a day of outstanding performances which will remain in the memories of fans forever.
In the exciting -57kg Senior Male elite category, France’s Darren Rolland pulled off the win in a nail-biting match against Ukraine’s Dmytro Shelesko.
In the -67kg Senior Male Elite division, AIN’s Askhab Akhmedov stopped UAE’s superstar Mohammed Mardi in the finals to secure gold and his seat which has been dominated by Ukraine’s Igor Liubchenko in past years.
In the -86kg Senior Male Elite Division, Croatia’s Vito Košar and USA’s Aaron Ortiz had the fans off their seats in a fight which could have gone either way. Sadly, Aaron bowed down to the new -86kg division World Champion which has been dominated by Aaron for the past 3 years.
In the +91kg male division, Ukraine’s golden boy, Oleh Pryimachov secured his first goal in the +91 division against AIN’s Dmitrii Vasenev in match that got all the fans off their seats. Oleh has had a flawless gold streak in the -91kg division since 2016 and is moving up a division for a new challenge. Congratulations to this amazing athlete!
In the -45kg Senior Female Elite Division, Vietnam’s Huynh Ha Huu Hieu edged out AIN’s Sofiia Istratova in one of the most exciting final matches of the tournament with both nak muay putting their heart on the canvas.
In the -48kg Senior Female Elite division, Asian Champion Kullanat Aonok, dominated
Turkey’s Sibel OruÇ using her timing and calculated movement to secure the victory and gold for Thailand.
In the -54kg Senior Female Elite Division, Challenger Champion, Laura Burgos displayed why she’s one of the best female nak muay in the world against USA’s Krystyna Mosher in a close match but it was the Mexican’s grit and heart which got her the win and edged out Mosher for gold.
In the -60kg Senior Female Elite Division, Turkey’s superstar Kubra Kocakus went toe to toe against Australian superstar Shannon Gardiner. It was Kubra’s speed and hands which secured her the win.
In the -63.5kg Senior Female Elite Division, was another Turkey vs Australia female superstar match-up, this time with a pair which had met in the finals before. In another close match, Australia’s Zoe Putorak once again defeated Bediha Tacyildiz for the second year in a row.
The IFMA World Executive Board, Olympic Committees, ambassadors and many other distinguished guests filled the VIP section.
The warrior spirit of performance of the Special and Para athletes stole the hearts of the audience as they displayed focus, skill, strength and the true spirit of muaythai as their months of special preparation for this big day came to light in front of a full stadium of fans cheering their every move.
Special mention goes to the incredible performances of the Greek Para and Special abilities demonstration team with fans from all part of the world giving a standing ovation. It was truly a day to remember in the history for the IFMA Family.
