The eyes of the Asian muaythai community focused on Macau today as the draw took place for the 2018 Championships! Over 30 countries with 400 athletes and officials are settled in and ready for action tomorrow.

Mr Wu Wei Keong, president of the Macau Muaythai Association said he is proud to welcome so many athletes and their entourages to his home. The Association have been working closely with the local organisers, and all is set at the Macau Forum where the spectacular Opening Ceremony takes place later today.

The draw took place in the athletes’ hotel so news quickly spread of who will face whom causing great excitement over lunch nearby.

Dato Shahnaz Azmi, vice-president of the Federation of Amateur Muaythai of Asia is the Technical Director for this tournament. Highly experienced at running world and national-level events at home in Malaysia, he said the draw threw up some exciting match-ups.

IFMA general secretary Stephan Fox arrived in Macau early this morning, he addressed the team manager meeting. He will also remain for the duration of the tournament to give support to the Macau Association in this, this first hosting of the Asian championships.

Speaking afterwards, head coach with the UAE muaythai federation said he thinks the team have some good medal chances now. He already knows some of the opponents as they competed against his team at the World Championships in Mexico just a few months ago. See video interview here.

All weight categories are available on  the IFMA scoring platform IFMA Live.  Results will be available daily on this platform.

Follow IFMA on social media for updates and to get behind-the-scenes footage of the athletes:

IFMA Facebook        IFMA Instagram    IFMA Twitter   and of course live action on the IFMA Youtube Channel.