The excitement is building as we prepare for the upcoming IFMA Senior World Championship, and recently, IFMA Director General Charissa Tynan, alongside IFMA Secretary General Stephan, made a crucial site visit to Antalya, Turkey. This visit was to ensure every detail is meticulously planned for the event, which promises to be one of the most exciting and well-organised championships in muaythai history.
Venue Inspection
The team began their visit with an inspection of the competition venue, and we’re pleased to report that it’s the perfect size for the championship. With 800 seats available, the venue will comfortably house the three competition rings, providing an excellent viewing experience for fans. The rings will be positioned in a way that ensures the highest level of visibility for all spectators, while maintaining ample space for athletes, officials, and event staff.
The Friendship Festival Zone
One of the most exciting additions to this year’s event is the Friendship Festival Zone, which will be set up outside the venue. This area will be a vibrant hub of activity, with stalls, cultural displays, and exciting activities. It’s designed to celebrate the spirit of muaythai, promoting friendship and camaraderie among athletes, officials, and visitors from around the world.
In addition to its cultural focus, this area will play a pivotal role in IFMA’s collaboration with United Through Sports (UTS). The Friendship Festival Zone will be used to create social engagement, showcasing how muaythai can be a tool for positive change. Through this collaboration, we aim to foster unity, promote health and well-being, and create opportunities for young people from all backgrounds to connect through the shared values of muaythai.
Hotel and Accommodation Logistics
Understanding the importance of convenience for teams and officials, the IFMA team also inspected the three official hotels designated for the championship. All of these hotels are located within 8-10 minutes of the venue, ensuring that athletes and officials can easily access the venue without hassle. The accommodations are top-quality, providing a comfortable and relaxing stay for all those attending the championship.
To further ease the logistics, weigh-in stations will be set up at each hotel, making it easier for teams to check in and prepare without the need to travel to the venue multiple times. This thoughtful planning demonstrates IFMA’s commitment to supporting athletes and officials throughout the event.
Local Organising Committee’s Efforts
The Local Organising Committee (LOC) in Antalya has been working diligently to ensure the championship will run smoothly. The LOC is led by Hasan Yildiz, the energetic President of the Turkish Muaythai Federation and the European Muaythai Federation, whose leadership and vision are integral to making this event a success.
“We are excited to welcome athletes and officials from around the world to Antalya. Our team has been working hard to ensure that every detail is perfect so that everyone has an unforgettable experience. This event will not only showcase the best of muaythai, but it will also foster the spirit of unity and friendship that defines our sport,” said President Hasan.
IFMA is excited to see the preparations unfold and is confident that the Antalya Senior World Championship will be an outstanding event. We can’t wait to see you all there, ready to celebrate the sport of muaythai and the incredible athletes who embody its values.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to work towards delivering a world-class experience!
