It is with great sadness that we, the International Federation of Muaythai Associations has received news of the passing of former IOC President Count Jacques Rogge, who has died at the age of 79.
Rogge was the 8th president of the International Olympic Committee from 2001-2013 after which he became honorary president. Remembering his life IOC president Thomas Bach recalled, “First and foremost Jacques loved sport and being with the athletes and he transmitted his passion to everyone who knew him. His joy in sport was infectious. He was an accomplished president helping to modernise and transform the IOC. His legacy will always be remembered particularly for championing youth sport and for inaugurating the youth Olympic games. The entire Olympic movement will deeply mourn the loss of a great friend and a passionate friend of sport”.
IFMA president Dr. Sakchye Tapsuwan stated, “The IFMA family will remember Count Rogge as a champion, an athlete, a triple Olympian and the true ambassador for fair play. He was a great patron of Muaythai and IFMA, having honoured us with messages of support and endorsement for two IFMA World Championships in 2008 and 2009. We will be forever grateful for his great contribution to our Olympic journey and his visionary leadership and significant role within the Olympic Movement is a legacy that will live on.”
