Putting the athletes at the centre of events is what IFMA always strives to do, so it’s exciting to be recognised as Best Muaythai Promotion of the year for 2017.

The Awakening Fighters muaythai awards are voted on by athletes and coaches from all around the world. IFMA events  – staged in Belarus, Thailand, France, Mexico, Oceania and Morocco – were voted top of the list.

Patricia Axling (Sweden), IFMA World and European champion, was voted Amateur of the Year.  Janet Todd (USA) bronze medal winner at the Worlds and in The World Games 2017 was second, and IFMA, The World Games champion Apasara Kosorn (Thailand) was third. This category was only focused on female athletes.

IFMA bronze medalist Yolanda Schmidt (Australia) won the Most Inspirational Female Fighter.

Sue Glassey, head of the IFMA Female Commission said: ‘ It’s an honour to see IFMA’s work recognised by athletes themselves. Every year the tournament grows both in numbers and competitiveness but we never lose sight of who is important – the athletes and their support who are the heart of our events.

‘Thank you Awakening Fighters.’