The International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA) was proudly represented at the Annual General Meeting of the International World Games Association (IWGA), held at the Olympic Museum in Lausanne.

Representing IFMA, Director General Charissa Tynan joined leaders from International Federations for a landmark meeting shaping the future direction of The World Games movement. Stephan Fox, President of AIMS, was also present.

The AGM agenda addressed key governance matters, including Executive Committee elections for the 2026–2030 term, new membership applications, reports from The World Games 2025 Chengdu, and the ratification of the sports programme for The World Games 2029 Karlsruhe.

A significant milestone for the organisation was the official admission of the International Chess Federation into the IWGA, further expanding the global reach of The World Games family.

The General Assembly elected Anna Arzhanova as the new IWGA President, succeeding José Perurena López, who was recognised for his outstanding leadership over the past 12 years and named Honorary President.

IFMA extends its sincere congratulations to the newly elected Executive Committee, including Vice-President Jan Fransoo, Treasurer John Liljelund, and Executive Committee Members Espen Lund, Nob Rauch, Antonio Pérez Priego, and Joachim Thumfart. IFMA also congratulates Sandra Sánchez, who continues to serve as Chair of the Athletes’ Committee, ensuring athlete representation at the highest level.

A proud moment for IFMA came during the presentation of The World Games Athlete of the Year Awards, where Charissa Tynan accepted an award on behalf of Mexican Muaythai athlete Laura Burgos, who achieved an outstanding third-place finish in the global fan vote. The award was won by Victoria Chavez, highlighting the global engagement and growing fanbase of The World Games.

Further positive news emerged from the review of The World Games 2025 Chengdu, where the official Quantum report confirmed Muaythai as the 5th highest sport in ticket sales a strong indicator of the sport’s increasing global popularity and spectator appeal.

Another major milestone was reached during the presentation and ratification of the official sports programme for The World Games 2029 Karlsruhe, where Muaythai was once again officially included, reaffirming its place among the world’s leading sports on the global stage.

Sebastian Garvens also announced an important step forward for inclusivity, confirming that para disciplines will be included in the 2029 edition further strengthening the values of accessibility and equality within The World Games framework.

Charissa Tynan, on behalf of IFMA, expressed sincere gratitude to the IWGA leadership for their continued trust and support. She reaffirmed that Muaythai, as an IOC-recognised sport, will continue to uphold and promote both the Olympic values and the rich cultural values of Muaythai throughout the IWGA movement.

The meeting once again reinforced Muaythai’s continued momentum within the Olympic Movement and the wider multisport landscape—recognised not only for sporting excellence, but also for fan engagement, athlete recognition, and commitment to inclusion.

From Chengdu 2025 to Karlsruhe 2029, Muaythai continues to demonstrate that it belongs on the world’s biggest sporting stages.

One World. One Muaythai.