For the first time in history, muaythai had an official house at an Olympic Games, with a Baan Muay established in the heart of Paris. The renowned Teddy Riner Arena served as the venue for nine days, attracting a record number of attendees.
Over 2,000 Nak Muays participated in various activities, including youth courses, referee and judge courses, instructor courses, athlete courses, cultural courses, and charity events, among many others.
Participants from more than 40 countries seized the opportunity to train with muaythai masters from Thailand, alongside muaythai superstars and IFMA educators from around the world. All courses were offered free of charge, with the only requirement being the donation of a charity bag. These bags, totaling over 4,000, were later donated to homeless people across Paris after the Games concluded. This initiative reflects IFMA’s vision and commitment to giving back, using sport as a vehicle for creating a better tomorrow.
One of the event’s highlights was the VIP class, which featured high-profile sports delegates, royal family members, IOC members, sports ministers, and others. This event will significantly advance muaythai towards the highest levels of recognition that IFMA and the sport aspire to achieve.
Dato Shah, Chair of the IFMA Education Commission, emphasized that this was also an opportunity to showcase IFMA’s comprehensive muaythai education system under the “One Standard Muaythai” framework. With 156 countries operating under the same rules, regulations, and educational syllabus, IFMA is promoting Olympic values and working closely with all Olympic stakeholders, placing athletes of all abilities at the heart of the movement.
