Today saw the arrival of many muaythai teams for the first World University Championships in Thailand, with more expected tomorrow. FISU president Oleg Matytsin said the athletes are part of a new wave of sports joining FISU with 34 events being held globally.

All day today teams arrived at Bangkok airport, greeted by young volunteers – who are also university students in Thailand. There was a lovely celebration of youth as the teams met each other and travelled on by coach to the beach-side resort of Pattaya.

The University Sports Board of Thailand president Professor Bundhit Eua-arpor said the welcome and kindness of the Chonburi people will add to the athletes’s experiences, and he thanked IPE University for hosting the event. He also expressed gratitude to the Office of the Higher Education Commission for their support.

Paola Matringe from the FISU coordination office is in attendance, offering advice and support to the Thai organising committee.

Many of the IFMA executive board are also at the event, partnering together with the university sports world of Thailand to bring this exciting event to fruition. IFMA Sport Director Charissa Tynan is working closely with the organising committee on the ground. General Secretary Stephan Fox arrives tomorrow to support the Opening Ceremony, and Technical Director Dmitry Putilin has been on the ground supporting the creation of a beautiful outdoor arena for the competition.

Teams including Malaysia, Nepal, Hungary, Poland, Israel, Russia and of course host nation Thailand are all staying at the Hard Rock Cafe resort in Pattaya. The venue is also in this resort meaning another sustainable event for muaythai as there will be no transport required on a daily basis.

Tomorrow everyone is invited to a Welcome Dinner at a tasty traditional Thai restaurant, and a good chance to meet each other before the first bouts on Monday.

Full details of the programme and results can be viewed  WUC Muaythai

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