Sport has been thriving under Vision 2030 of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Muaythai has been part of this initiative since its inauguration. Historically, Thailand and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia had strained relationships, but long before these relations were mended, Muaythai and IFMA have been promoting and enhancing Muaythai both as a cultural art form and sport.
HRH Prince Fahad, President of the Saudi Muaythai Federation and Vice President of IFMA, has been a driving force in the development of inclusion and gender equality. This hard work paid off with Saudi athlete, Hattan Al Saif, becoming Saudi’s first female champion in 2023 and also winning the World Combat Games Champion in the same year.
The emphasis has been on grassroots development, proper coach education, and for 8 years, IFMA’s highest Ajahns have worked together with the national federation for continued development and education. Muaythai was one of the most outstanding sports at the World Combat Games and a prime sport of the Saudi Games, leading to its full inclusion in the Islamic Solidarity Games 2025.
The Saudi National Championships concluded with a record number of approximately 600 athletes, especially in the youth divisions, which were among the largest. Another highlight was the all-inclusive competitions that received the highest praise.
The General Secretary of the Saudi Muaythai Federation, Abdulaziz Albnan, expressed gratitude to IFMA over the years, the gyms which have tripled in number, the close cooperation with the National Olympic and Paralympic Committee, and certainly the vision of President HRH Prince Fahad Bin Mansour bin Saad Bin Saud Al Saud.
Many VIPs attended the event, including His Excellency the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand, Mr. Darm Boontham, who presented medals, the President of United Through Sports and AIMS President, Stephan Fox, the IFMA Sport Director, Janice Lyn, and many more, who came to support the outstanding talent of Saudi Athletes of All Abilities.
