Bangkok, 24 January 2026 – On the International Day of Education, the International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA) reaffirms its unwavering commitment to placing youth and education at the heart of its global mission, guided by the principle of a healthy body and a healthy mind.
At the IFMA Youth World Championships, IFMA hosted a dedicated Youth Representative Meeting, led by youth interns Aaliyan Khurram and Annabelle Tucker. The session created an open, respectful, and inclusive platform for young athletes from all participating teams to share their experiences, perspectives, and aspirations for the future of Muaythai.
This initiative reflects IFMA’s conviction that young athletes are not merely participants in sport, but active stakeholders and future leaders of the Olympic Movement.
The Youth World Championships extend far beyond competition. They provide structured education in athlete health and safety, safeguarding, anti-doping, and mental well-being, while promoting cultural exchange, mutual respect, and lifelong international friendships. Through this holistic approach, IFMA ensures that sporting excellence is developed in parallel with personal growth, resilience, and global citizenship.
Education is a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of peace, sustainable development, and social cohesion. Yet millions of children and young people worldwide continue to face barriers to accessing quality education. As recognised by the United Nations, young people under the age of 30 represent more than half of the global population and must be meaningfully engaged in shaping the future of education and society.
IFMA stands firmly aligned with this vision. By embedding education, safeguarding, and youth leadership across all levels of its programmes, IFMA ensures that Muaythai is not only a sport, but a powerful platform for empowerment, inclusion, and positive transformation—nurturing both body and mind.
On this International Day of Education, IFMA proudly celebrates the power of youth to co-create a healthier, more inclusive, and sustainable future for sport and society.