The International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA) places athletes at the heart and soul of Muaythai. The IFMA Athletes’ Commission serves as a vital link between the voice of athletes and the IFMA.
Since 2012, the Athletes’ Commission has held a permanent seat on the IFMA Executive Board. Notable former Chairs include Artem Levin, Valentina Shevchenko, and Janice Lyn.
The recent IFMA Athletes’ Commission election resulted in the following candidates being elected to represent each continent and spearhead the Athletes’ Commission:
Chair:
Lennert Swart (RSA)
Vice Chairs:
Yolanda Schmidt (AUS)
Ahmad Hilal (PLE)
Laura Burgos (MEX)
Rebecca Hodl (AUT)
Youth Representative and Honorary Vice Chair:
Mariam Alsuwaidi (UAE)
Commission Members:
Ahmad Abdolaziz (UAE)
Hattan Alsaif (KSA)
Saif Aldeen Zaqzouq (JOR)
Hamza Rachid (MAR)
Monika Chochlikova (SVK)
Brad Morgan (NZL)
The IFMA Youth Representative elected from the 2024 Youth World Championships in Bangkok, UAE’s Mariam Alsuwaidi, was also appointed as the honorary Vice Chair of the Athletes’ Commission.
The first commission meeting included a reminder from former Chair, Janice Lyn about the roles and responsibilities of the commission members. Ms. Lyn expressed her gratitude to the IFMA Executive Board and Commission Members for their support and guidance during her terms as Chair of the Athletes’ Commission. She extended her congratulations to the newly elected Chair Lennert Swart and committed to supporting the Athletes’ Commission, ensuring that athletes’ voices are heard within the federation.
Special addresses were given by IFMA Director General, Charissa Tynan and United Through Sports President, Stephan Fox. Ms. Tynan greeted the commission with a message of encouragement and vision. She emphasized the crucial role athletes play in the growth and development of Muaythai, highlighting their importance not only as competitors but also as ambassadors of the sport.
The President of United Through Sports Stephan Fox, spoke on the importance of athletes in driving social change and the positive impact they can have on communities worldwide.
Congratulations to all the elected athletes!
