The International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA) held its Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, 18th September 2024, in the heart of Bangkok at the Ambassador Hotel. Taking place alongside the Youth World Championships, this year’s General Assembly brought together IFMA leadership, delegates from member federations, and various stakeholders from around the globe to address strategic initiatives, celebrate recent achievements, and outline future goals.
The meeting opened with a formal roll call conducted by the IFMA Director General, setting the stage for key agenda items, including a solemn moment of silence to honour the recently departed members of the IFMA family. The IFMA President welcomed all attendees, highlighting the significance of the global Muaythai community’s collective efforts in advancing the sport.
Key Highlights from the General Assembly
- Membership Growth: The General Assembly welcomed Bosnia & Herzegovina and Guinea as new provisional members, expanding IFMA’s global reach and strengthening Muaythai’s presence in new regions.
- Financial Report: Rolf Hess, Chair of the IFMA Business Commission, presented the 2024 financial report, underscoring the federation’s prudent financial management and stability, enabling the continued support for IFMA’s global programmes and initiatives.
- Strategic Plan 2024–2028: IFMA introduced its strategic plan for the next four years, focusing on sustainable growth, development of Muaythai at the grassroots level, and ensuring the sport’s integrity and inclusivity across all regions.
- Event Updates and New Initiatives:
- Updates were provided on key international events, including the Senior World Championships 2024 in Patras, Greece, and the Muaythai showcase scheduled for the Paris2024 Olympics.
- IFMA acknowledged the cancellation of the 2024 Asian Indoor & Martial Arts Games in Chonburi, Thailand, originally scheduled for November.
- Exciting plans for upcoming events in 2025 were also discussed, such as the SEA Games in Thailand, the World Games in Chengdu, China, and the Bolivarian Games in Peru, highlighting the ongoing global expansion of Muaythai.
- Inclusion and Equality Efforts: Reports from the Equality and Youth Commissions underscored IFMA’s commitment to non-discrimination and promoting equal opportunities within Muaythai. These initiatives are in alignment with IFMA’s core values of inclusivity and integrity.
- Constitutional Changes and Future Elections: The General Assembly approved several constitutional changes aimed at enhancing governance within IFMA. Additionally, the planning for the upcoming elections was deferred to the 2025 AGM, allowing for comprehensive preparation and further consultation.
- Future Bids and New Event Locations: The upcoming IFMA Senior World Championships 2025 are slated for Cappadocia, Turkey, while the Youth World Championships will be hosted in Abu Dhabi, UAE. These new locations were chosen with the vision of broadening the cultural reach of Muaythai and fostering regional growth.
- Education and Ethics Initiatives: The Education Commission introduced the IFMA World Education Programme, a pioneering initiative designed to promote Muaythai values, culture, and ethics. Alongside this, the Ethics Commission provided updates on IFMA’s commitment to maintaining the highest ethical standards within the sport.
- Closing and Next Steps: The General Assembly concluded with discussions on potential relocation of the IFMA international office and a shared commitment to address ongoing challenges while embracing new opportunities for growth. The next IFMA General Assembly will take place in 2025, where elections and additional strategic initiatives will be further discussed.
Press Conference Highlights
Following the AGM, IFMA held a press conference where several exciting announcements were made for upcoming events that celebrate both the sport and its rich cultural ties:
- Prison Fights, Bangkok – Scheduled for 21st September, this unique event highlights Muaythai’s roots in personal transformation and community reintegration.
- 70 Years Egypt-Thailand Relations Commemorative Muaythai Event, Cairo – On 20th September, Cairo will host a Muaythai event celebrating seven decades of diplomatic relations between Egypt and Thailand, further strengthening the sport’s international ties.
- Pan American Championships, Ottawa, Canada – From 27th to 29th September, Ottawa will host the Pan Am Championships, marking a major milestone for Muaythai’s growth and development across the Americas.
- Muaythai’s Inclusion in the Next CISM Military Championships – IFMA confirmed that Muaythai will be featured in the next CISM Military Championships, acknowledging its growing popularity and respect within the international military sports community.
Looking Ahead
The 2024 AGM and subsequent press conference proved to be landmark events, reflecting IFMA’s dedication to growth, integrity, and the unifying spirit of Muaythai. The global Muaythai community can look forward to continued progress in the coming year, driven by the collaborative efforts of IFMA’s leadership, its members, and its supporters worldwide.
