Oly Yves Roland, the hope and pride of Côte d’Ivoire muaythai, has been awarded the Best Athlete award in Côte d’Ivoire representing muaythai for his outstanding achievements at the Royal World Cup 2015 held in Bangkok.
Although he carried home the bronze medal, Oly was the definite winner of audience choice award with everyone wanting to have their picture taken with the athlete. This confirms again that in muaythai everyone is a winner regardless of the outcome of the competition in the ring.

947325_528357873989260_5086395941436387236_n
IFMA international events continue to deliver an audience that tirelessly supports and emotionally charges the athletes, this support also proves to be great source of inspiration for the athletes.
Upon receiving the cup and honorary plaque, Oly stated “Muaythai has recently become a popular sport in Côte d’Ivoire, and this is an affirmation that this award went to the sport of muaythai, giving it recognition. This is a truly special occasion for me; my mother and all my family are really proud of me.”

11960098_488707521287629_6530474839458258040_n
Muaythai has seen a serious boost in Côte d’Ivoire, and the number of athletes participating in every following IFMA events grows exponentially, which is a merit of the outstanding administration of the President of Federation Ivoirienne de Muaythai, Mr. Bella Arthur in cooperation with the sport authority of Côte d’Ivoire.
At the last FISU University Cup, Côte d’Ivoire was one of the four countries honoured to march the FISU flag at the AGM proudly presenting it for 130 presidents of IFMA member federations.
IFMA congratulates Mr. Arthur and Oly Yves Roland; and encourages all athletes to be the reason for pride of their families, coaches and countries being ambassadors of athleticism and sportsmanship in the African continent.