The final morning of the European Championships opened not with competition, but with celebration — an opening ceremony that honoured courage, inclusion, and the unbreakable spirit of sport.

Athletes from Greece and Hungary marched proudly into the arena, surrounded by cheers from the stands. From the very first moment, the atmosphere was filled with pride, unity and anticipation. It was a fitting introduction to a day dedicated to extraordinary athletes.

The crowd was then treated to a stunning demonstration by more than 25 Para and Special athletes from Greece — the Hellas Dream Team, a non-profit association founded in 2021 that empowers people with disabilities through sport and social engagement, active in Para Muaythai, Para Taekwondo, and basketball for intellectual impairment Demonstration Team. Their performance showcased not only discipline and skill, but joy, confidence, and connection.

As the arena settled, competition began — and the stories unfolding on the mats and in the ring were some of the most moving of the entire event.

Among the youngest athletes in the field was 9-year-old Irene Konstantina Dimitroulakou, full of energy, excitement and curiosity. Irene only began Para Muaythai one year ago, and arrived in Athens determined to make her mother and coach proud, dedicating every technique to them in her heart. Her smile and enthusiasm lit up the venue long before the scores were announced.

Equally inspiring was 17-year-old Georgios Yfantis, competing at this level for the very first time. Training for just three years, he never imagined he would one day represent Greece at a continental championship — something he described as “a dream come true.” His gratitude to his federation and IFMA for the opportunity spoke volumes about what inclusion really means in practice.

And surrounding them were stories of remarkable resilience and triumph:

• seasoned competitors like World Champions Nikolas Milanos and Giorgos Katsoulakos, both fighting to defend their standing on home soil
• first-timers like Spiros Deonas, stepping courageously into an arena he never believed he would reach
• and Hungary’s spirited para delegation, including debutant Iván Damián — part of an extraordinary family with three brothers competing in Athens — and 18-year-old Richard Smid, known for being the first to arrive to training and the last to leave

Every athlete brought something unique, powerful, and unforgettable.

Through their performances, they reminded everyone watching of something fundamental:

Sport is not merely about winning.
It is about purpose.
Empowerment.
Belonging.
Transformation.

A Special Recognition to the Coaches

Behind every Para & Special athlete, stands a team of coaches and caregivers whose patience, commitment and care make these moments possible.

Today we pay deep respect to all the coaches and support teams who give their time, energy and hearts to nurture these athletes.

In particular, IFMA extends its sincere appreciation to the Coaches and Managers of the Greek Para & Special initiative — Kyriaki (Kiki) Chatzogiannaki and Sofia Theodori — whose dedication, belief and tireless efforts have shaped the lives of countless athletes and helped build a movement that is changing the landscape of Muaythai inclusion in Greece and beyond.

Their work is not just coaching.
It is transformation.

The 2025 European Muaythai Championships Para & Special competitions stand as a shining example of IFMA’s commitment to ensuring that Muaythai remains a safe, inclusive, accessible home for all.

Here in Athens, these athletes showed Europe — and the world — that excellence takes many forms, resilience has many faces, and dreams are stronger when shared.

And they left us with a message that echoes far beyond the arena:

Muaythai belongs to everyone.