It is official! The first IFMA Virtual World Championships started as the opening ceremony took place The host of the ceremony Ms. Ravi Dent openeded the ceremony with the welcoming all the athletes, coaches, referees, and viewers around the world to witness this historical event.
The flag parade of IFMA, Continental Federations, and organisations Muaythai is proud to be part of was marched to the virtual arena with limitless number of seats as spectators all around the world tuned in from their living rooms to watch the ceremony.
IFMA Athletes’ Commission Chair Ms. Janice Lyn took the floor wishing all the athletes great experience and wished all participants to have a wonderful competitions. Muaythai Connects.
This event would not be possible without strog support of the competition sponsors with the UAE Muaythai Federation and MTGlobal Fighting Gear putting their hands together to ensure that the competition makes the history books as one of a kind event.
A highlight of the project between IFMA and UNESCO followed Ms. Lyn speech again reminding how much youth mean for IFMA as every day Muaythai reaches refugee camps, youth centers, hospitals and unprivileged areas to showcase the example of the world champions who built their careers and lives through Muaythai.
IFMA Secretary General was the following speaker to welcome the guests in different languages as the event reached the utmost regions of the world. Mr. Fox stated that regardless the pandemic IFMA found a way to support its athletes and give hope for a better tomorrow with only internet connection required to be part of international Muaythai event. Muaythai Connects.
The driving force behind the Virtual Championships and IFMA Director Ms. Charissa Tynan continued the programme saying that so many inspirational entries have been submitted in all four divisions: Shadow Box, Wai Kru, Max Fit and Aero Fit. For the Max Fit and Aero Fit the journey will continue with the UTS Virtual Sports Festival offering the youth an event under the patronage of the IOC.
Traditional oath from Referees, Athletes and Coaches from different continents was sworn and it was the first time in IFMA history that not one but several athletes and officials represeting different continents were given this honour.
IFMA Vice President, General Udomdej Sitabutr took the floor stating that this event already proved to be successful as more than 30,000 people took part in the qualificaiton towards the event. An unprecedented number for any Muaythai event.
General Udomdej officially declared the IFMA Virtual World Muaythai Championships 2020 open.
The viewers throughout the world raised for the official muaythai anthem which played over the world in unison in each home where Muaythai athletes were preparing to step in the virtual arene for their first competition.
The athletes walked behid their flags in the virtual flag parade. The IFMA initiative was welcomed as a needed opportunity for the athletes being in lockdownd as many competitions cancelled. The Wai Kru competition started already. Today Shadow Box and Max Fit start, and tomorrow the Aero Fit competition.
The winners of the Max Fit and Aero Fit will transition to the UTS Virtual World Festival under the patronage of IOC.
