It has been many, many years in the making, but now muaythai has earned the right to apply for the highest recognition in sports: IOC. Muaythai under IFMA is already recognised by the Olympic Committee of Asia (OCA), and by SportAccord, which unites 104 world-recognised sports, such as football (FIFA) and basketball (FIBA), to name a few.
Much planning has gone into preparations, and muaythai has been praised by WADA for their fair play focused, anti-doping program, and also their educational drug awareness efforts. Muaythai has also been recognised by TAFISA, Sport for All, and is included in many multi-sports games. April 3rd will be the official launch of the campaign for IOC recognition, but it will also be a historic day for many more reasons.
His Majesty the King has donated a Royal Trophy, to be given to the ultimate muaythai fighter, which will be fought for in a “Super 4” format, with the best four boxers from three continents. The Prime Minister also has donated a cup, which will be given to the best female fighter. Besides the IOC application, muaythai will also proudly apply to be included in the International World Games and also officially launch the “Sport Is Your Gang” campaign in partnership with Peace and Sport, a partner of the IOC.
The President of SportAccord, Mr. Hein Verbruggen, the President of the International World Games Association, Mr. Ron Froehlich, and IOC member and President of the International Amateur Boxing Association (AIBA), Dr. C K Wu, and many other high sporting executives from around the world are traveling to Bangkok to take part in the event. The Prime Minister of Thailand has asked the Deputy Prime Minister and President of the National Olympic Committee of Thailand, General Yuthasak Sasiprapha, to represent the Royal Thai Government at the event. The event will open with a gala reception hosted by the city of Bangkok for all VIPs, followed by a two-hour live telecast event starting at 21:15 at the Bangkok Convention Centre, Central Ladphrao.
The souvenir programme is filled with messages from such dignitaries as HE General Pichitr Kullavanijaya, Privy Councillor to His Majesty the King, HE Yingluck Shinawatra, Prime Minister of Thailand, General Yuthasak Sasiprapha, Deputy Prime Minister, Mrs. Sukumol Kunplome, Minister of Culture, Mr. Hein Verbruggen, President of SportAccord, Mr. Ron Froehlich, President of the International World Games Association, Dr. C K Wu, President of AIBA, Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah of Kuwait, President of the OCA and IOC member, HRH. Prince Feisal Al Hussein of Jordan, Chairman of Generations for Peace, Joël Bouzou, President of Peace and Sport, and so many others.
All of this shows the respect which muaythai holds in the international sporting community. Embassies from 35 countries will participate at the event which is VIP only and will be packed to bursting point. For more details, check out:
IFMA: http://www.ifmamuaythai.org
WMC: http://www.wmcmuaythai.org
