Representatives from 14 Muaythai federations in the Pan-American region met to discuss plans for Muaythai in 2019 and beyond, in the region. The sport has been growing rapidly here over the past few years, and the success of smaller teams like Colombia alongside the growth in Peru, Mexico and USA is a sign of the hard work at gatherings like this.

A central part of the meeting was the focus on continued development of Muaythai in this region. Under the leadership of Elisa Salinas, head of the Confederacion Panamericana de Muaythai and of Mexican Muaythai, the sport has flourished.

In May 2018 Cancun Mexico hosted the World Championships, the first time this tournament has been held in the Pan-Am region.

The meeting agreed to provide support to fledgling federations to encourage everyone to send teams to regional tournaments. Discussions were also held on the number of events for 2019 and 2020, with dates to be confirmed. In 2018 the region saw a South American Championships in Ecuador as well as the Pan-Ams in Argentina and the Worlds in Cancun.

Rodrigo Joquera (Peru) was elected general secretary, to further communication and cooperation between the member federations.

For more information follow the Confederacion Panamericana de Muaythai  on Facebook.

Photos: Jeff Dojillo photographer with USMF.