A historic milestone was achieved as the leadership of the Lethwei Myanmar Federation met with top officials from the International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA) to discuss Myanmar’s full integration into the global Olympic sports family. The meeting was attended by key figures, including Dr. Tin Aung Lwin, President of the Lethwei Myanmar Federation; Mr. Kyaw Win Tun, Vice President; Mr. Wana Than Soe Aung, Central Executive Committee (CEC) Member; Mr. Thant Zin Oo, Lethwei representative in Thailand; IFMA and Amateur Muaythai Association of Thailand (AMTAT) President Dr. Sakchye Tapsuwan; Mr. Somchart Charoenwacharawit, President of the Professional Boxing Association of Thailand (PAT) and Vice President of IFMA; and Stephan Fox, President of the Alliance of Independent Recognized Members of Sport (AIMS).
The meeting centered on the integration of the Lethwei Myanmar National Federation as a full member of IFMA under the name Myanmar Muaythai IFMA, symbolizing Myanmar’s alignment with the Olympic sports framework. This important dialogue followed a pre-meeting with the National Olympic Committee of Myanmar and the Ministry of Sports, underlining the shared commitment to cultural and sporting collaboration between Myanmar and Thailand.
IFMA President Dr. Sakchye Tapsuwan and AMTAT President Mr. Somchart Charoenwacharawit extended a warm welcome to the Myanmar delegation. Stephan Fox highlighted the incredible opportunities that come with being part of the Olympic movement’s sports pyramid. These include representation at major global sporting events such as the SEA Games, World Championships, World Combat Games, FISU Games, and other international platforms, while upholding the core values of the Olympic movement: excellence, friendship, and respect.
The timing of the meeting added to its significance, as it took place on December 5th, a day of profound importance in Thailand, honoring His late Majesty King Rama IX and His Majesty King Rama X. This spirit of unity and shared values underscored the commitment of both federations to advancing sports, empowering athletes, and promoting the ideals of the Olympic movement.
With this partnership, Myanmar is poised to become the 156th National Muaythai IFMA Federation, showcasing the unifying and transformative power of muaythai. This marks a major milestone in fostering global cultural exchange, athletic development, and solidarity through sport.
Welcome, Myanmar, to the IFMA family! Together, we continue to grow the Olympic values and the global muaythai community.
