It was a night full of Thai culture and hospitality at the Royal Thay Navy Convention Hall on the banks of the Chao Praya River where all 92 member sports of GAISF arrived to be part of the opening ceremony of the SportAccord Convention 2018. Hosted by the Sport Authority of Thailand and the Ministry of Sport of Thailand the event was full of leaders of sport and politics. The guests were welcomed with a demonstration of Thai traditions and culture.

The leadership of the world of sport at the opening of the SportAccord Convention 2018, Bangkok

The night started with welcoming speeches of the Prime Minister of Thailand Mr. Prayut Chan-o-cha, the President of SportAccord and GAISF Mr. Patrick Baumann and the IOC President Mr. Thomas Bach.

The President of the SportAccord Convention and GAISF Patrick Baumann making a speech

The Ryal Thay Navy Convention Hall was full of distinguished guests President of Asian Olympic Council Ahmed Al-Fahad Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah, President of WADA Craig Reedie, Minister of Sport and Tourism in Thailand Weerasak Kowsurat, Minister of Sport and Tourism in Thailand Weerasak Kowsurat, President ASOIF Francesco Ricci Bitti, President of Peace and Sport Joel Bouzou and guests from UN Women, UNESCO, Right To Play.

The President of the International Olympic Committee Thomas Bach congratulating participants of the SportAccord Convention 2018

The ceremony included the reenactment of the Royal barge procession which is a show having more than 700 years of history. The Muaythai show was a highlight of the event showing the national Thai sport in all its beauty and historical background.

It was a great night which marked the beginning of the SportAccord Convention 2018.