The sports industry meets in Birmingham, the host of the 2022 Commonwealth Games with over 1500 delegates who were in attendance with a fantastic opening ceremony.
A welcome dinner was attended by so many including the IOC President, Thomas Bach, WADA President, Witold Banka, IFMA’s representatives from the highest level including Dr. Sakchye, Director General, Charissa Tynan, European President, Hasan Yildz, IFMA Vice President, Rafal Szlachta, and leadership of UKMF, including President Steven Deane.
A huge Thai delegation was in attendance, including the Governor of Sport Authority of Thailand, Gongsak Yodmani, the National Sports Development Fund Manager, Supranee Guptasa, and muaythai superstar Buakaw Banchamek which showcased the respect and recognition IFMA has in the Olympic Family and the value IFMA sees being part of the Olympic Family.
A big opening ceremony took place at the Thailand and IFMA booth with the Governor of the Sport Authority of Thailand, IFMA President, Dr. Sakchye Tapsuwan and the President of AIMS Stephan Fox presiding.
Dr. Sakchye Tapsuwan stated, “IFMA has participated in every SportAccord summit since its inauguration in 2003 and has played an important part in IFMA’s recognition and being here as an IOC recognized organization makes us all proud.”
Steven Deane, President of UKMF, showed his pride to welcome IFMA’s highest delegation led by President Dr. Sakchye Tapsuwan and the representatives of the Royal Thai Government in Birmingham and the UKMF, as the sole recognized organization in the United Kingdom by IFMA will continue to promote the values of muaythai and the Olympic Values.
Muaythai superstar, Buakaw Banchamek, made an important interview in the Q & A session stating that, “Muaythai is Thailand’s gift to the world and has brought the world to Thailand and Thailand to the world. I am proud to be the IFMA and Thailand Ambassador, having fought in the biggest muaythai arenas around the world but this event has opened my eyes on muaythai and IFMA’s place in the world community of sport.”
