The 2024 Bolivarian Bicentennial Games have kicked off in grand style, celebrating sports, culture, and unity in honour of the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Ayacucho. With over 1,300 athletes from 10 nations competing across 22 sports, muaythai has emerged as one of the standout highlights of this historic event.
The Games began with a spectacular opening ceremony, featuring vibrant cultural performances and a parade of athletes marching under their respective Olympic committee flags. Among them were the muaythai athletes, proudly showcasing the sport’s growing international recognition and its alignment with the Olympic values of respect, fairness, and solidarity.
A pivotal moment leading up to the Games occurred two weeks ago at the APEC Summit, where Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Peruvian President Dina Boluarte. The two leaders celebrated the inclusion of muaythai in the Bolivarian Games and underscored its significance as a bridge for cultural exchange between Thailand and Peru. Demonstrating Thailand’s commitment to this exchange, a large delegation was sent to Peru, including the renowned Pee Muay Band, a muaythai demonstration team, and workshop organisers, who shared the rich heritage and traditions of the sport with audiences across the country.
The inclusion of muaythai in the Bolivarian Games is a testament to the dedicated efforts of the International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA), in partnership with Pan American Muaythai and Peru’s national muaythai organisation. This achievement marks an important milestone in the ongoing journey toward securing muaythai’s place in the Pan American Games and reinforces IFMA’s commitment to promoting Olympism in action.
Both Prime Minister Shinawatra and President Boluarte hailed muaythai as a vital cultural link between their nations, further strengthening diplomatic and cultural ties. The sport’s presence at the Games exemplifies its role in fostering unity and mutual respect on a global stage.
With all muaythai events at full capacity and competitions broadcast live worldwide, the Bolivarian Games continue to captivate audiences. Muaythai’s inclusion not only enriches the Games but also inspires athletes and fans alike, highlighting the power of sport to connect people and cultures.
As the competitions unfold, muaythai remains at the heart of the Bolivarian Games, embodying the spirit of excellence, camaraderie, and cultural exchange that defines this extraordinary event.
