Muaythai was included in Asian games as a demonstration sport in 1998, has been fully recognized by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) in 1999 and SportAccord in 2006. Muaythai is included in Asian Beach Games and the Asian Indoor & Martial Arts Games, both of which are under the umbrella of the OCA.
In a special ceremony, Muaythai has officially applied for inclusion in the sports program of the Asian Games. His Royal Highness Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah, President of the OCA, assigned Mr Haider A H E FARMAN, Director of the Asian Games Department to represent the OCA at the ceremony.
President of IFMA, Dr Sakchye Tapsuwan welcomed Mr Haider, thanking the OCA for their vision on being in the forefront of many games, which other games look to as blueprints for future programs.
FAMA Sports Director, Kea Cheng Han, read out a special message sent by the President of FAMA and Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Mr Karim Massimov, in which Mr Massimov spoke about Asian unity and Muaythai having its foundations and roots in Asia. Following the message from the President of FAMA, IFMA Sports Director, Charissa Tynan, gave a detailed report on female muaythai its popularity and the growth of female Muaythai in Asia.
IFMA General Secretary, Stephan Fox, then made a detailed presentation on the achievements development of Muaythai from 1995 to today outlining every step from the humble beginnings to where Muaythai is today and the vision for the future of Muaythai. Finally IFMA President, Dr Sakchye Tapsuwan, made a special presentation to Mr Haider, which included a letter from the Sport and Tourism minister in full support of Muaythai’s application to the Asian Games.
