Following the most successful Youth World Championships in Thailand, which brought together over 3,600 participants, the final week of September witnessed a global showcase of Muaythai, further promoting its Olympic ambitions across several continents.

In Canada, the Pan American Championships took place in the capital city, marking a significant milestone in Muaythai’s journey toward inclusion in the Pan American Games. The event was a tremendous success, with top honors going to athletes from the USA, Mexico, Ecuador, and host nation Canada. Adding to the cultural significance of the event, Thailand’s Pi Muay band traveled to Canada to highlight the rich traditions of Muaythai, blending sport and culture seamlessly.

In Africa, Egypt, the host of the upcoming 2024 African Championships, celebrated 70 years of diplomatic relations between Egypt and Thailand with a grand Muaythai event. Organized by Egypt’s Sports Ministry, National Olympic Committee, Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, IFMA, and the Egyptian Muaythai Federation, the event featured demonstrations by the Lanna Muaythai team. Over 1,400 participants gathered to celebrate the cultural essence of Muaythai. As with all IFMA student seminars, participation was free of charge.

In Europe, attention shifted to Turkey, where the second round of the European League saw athletes from 16 countries competing. The finals are scheduled for December in Antalya. Meanwhile, Germany launched its national league with events in three cities, setting the stage for a major domestic competition. The Czech Republic also began its league with 75 matches held in a large convention center, with winners advancing to the next rounds.

The European Muaythai League is in full swing, with over 6,000 athletes preparing for the finals in Antalya and the upcoming European Championships in Kosovo.

In the Pacific, Australia hosted the third edition of the Royal Thai Consulate Cup in Sydney. The event, known as Siam 2 Sydney, was organized by the Australian Muaythai Federation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Royal Thai Embassy, and IFMA. This event symbolizes the strong bond between Australia and Thailand, and with the Brisbane 2032 Olympics on the horizon, Muaythai is gaining momentum in the region.

In total, over 2,000 Muaythai participants took part in this weekend’s events worldwide, reflecting IFMA’s broader mission to solidify Muaythai’s inclusion in the African Games, Pan American Games, and future Olympic-recognized multi-sport events. The development of Muaythai from grassroots to elite levels remains central to IFMA’s vision, with the qualification process already underway for the 2025 World Games in China. More than 30,000 athletes are vying for a place in the final rounds.

IFMA President Dr. Sakchye Tapsuwan attributed this global success to Muaythai’s strong grassroots development, which continues to nurture elite-level talent. The RWS series, featuring four IFMA World Champions competing this past weekend, is a testament to the efficacy of the world league structure.

With these ongoing global efforts, IFMA remains steadfast in its push for Muaythai’s Olympic aspirations, promoting both the sport’s growth and its deep cultural heritage worldwide.

One World, One Muaythai – We Are Olympic Muaythai.