A historical MoU signing took place inside the compounds of the Royal Thai Embassy in Riyadh in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, signed between the Royal Thai government and the Muaythai Federation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and also between IFMA, the world governing body of muaythai recognized by the International Olympic Committee.
Over 200 VIPs from embassies and consulates from around the world, representatives from the Royal Thai Government, Tanukiat Chanchum, Deputy Governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand and the NSDF Manager Khun Supranee Guptasa and from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the National Olympic Committee, Sports Ministry and the list goes on, outlining the importance of this event.
His Excellency Mr. Darm Boontham, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, welcomed the guests from around the world inside the garden of the Thai Embassy emphasizing the relationship between the two Kingdoms through sport and that Thailand is rightfully proud that Muaythai, under IFMA, has received recognition around the world.
The President of the National Muaythai Federation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, His Highness Prince Fahad bin Mansour Al-Saud emphasized muaythai both as a cultural and martial art, artform. The national federation, which is fully recognized by the National Olympic Committee and Paralympic Committee and Sports Ministry of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is a proud IFMA member and will continue to promote muaythai from the grassroots to the elite.
Muaythai is already included in the Saudi Games and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is sending teams to all IFMA events, world championships, Asian and Arab championships and the list goes on.
The representatives of the Royal Thai Government and Tanukiat Chanchum, Deputy Governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand, sent the wishes of the Royal Thai Government on this historical occasion and the importance of muaythai to promote excellence, solidarity and peace.
Stephan Fox, the President of United Through Sports and AIMS delivered a welcome speech on behalf of the SportAccord World Combat Games which will be held in Riyadh on the 21st – 30th of October featuring the 16 IOC and/or SportAccord recognized Combat Sports which will bring Saudi Arabia to the world and the world to Saudi Arabia. The important signing took place followed by cultural demonstration from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Muaythai demonstration team performing Wai Kru, Mai Muaythai and Muay Boran, have come especially from Thailand accompanied by the traditional Pi Muay band.
A gala dinner took place after the activities and this MoU will continue not only to promote Muaythai but the relationships between the two kingdoms.
