As a longstanding member of the International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA), and recognized by their National Olympic Committee and Sports Ministry, the Turkish Muaythai Federation has emerged over the decades as one of the foremost authorities in the global Muaythai community.
The School Sports Student Turkish Championships, a program supported by the Gümüşhane City Youth and Sports Provincial Directorate, was held from May 7-11th.
Distinguished guests from the Gümüşhane Province including Governor Alper Tanrısever, Gümüşhane Mayor Vedat Soner Başer, Gümüşhane Youth and Sports Provincial Director Mücahit Atalay and Executive Board Members of the Turkish Muaythai Federation including Turkish Muaythai Federation General Secretary Korkmaz Atalay, TMF Vice Presidents Şakir Bayramoğlu and Halil Demir, Board Members Mecit Klavuz and Şahin Güler, Deputy Secretary General Ömer Işık and Chairman of the Central Executive Board Atakan Province and Deputy Chairman of the Central Referee Board, Erdinç Patlar were all in attendance to cheer on the athletes and present medals to the winners of this 5-day celebration of the youth.
In his speech, Federation General Secretary Korkmaz Atalay said:
“Muaythai is becoming a very popular sport amongst student in schools thanks to the partnership between the Turkish Muaythai Federation and the Province of Gümüşhane and the Youth and Sports Ministry. A sincere thank you to our Gumushane Governor, Mayor and Provincial Director of Youth and Sports, who supported this celebration of our youth. Our Gümüşhane tradesmen mobilized with enthusiasm for the activity. We thank everyone for their contributions.”
President of the Turkish Muaythai Federation, Hasan Yıldız, said: “The School Student Championships is a perfect example of how we as a nation can shape the trajectory of muaythai and it starts with our youth, the future. Through the federation’s unwavering commitment to the principles of fair play, sportsmanship, and inclusivity, we can be proud of our children to lead by these values amongst the wider muaythai community and sporting family. Turkey has earned its place as a trusted ally and leader within IFMA and for this we should be proud. A big thank you to Gümüşhane for your hospitality and for providing a place with such amazing memories for our athletes. I would like to thank everyone who contributed, our Gümüşhane Governor, our Mayor, my gratitude to our Sports Provincial Director and all his staff, our Federation General Secretary and all our Federation officials, and Gümüşhane Muaythai Provincial Representative Erol Eroğlu. Lastly, thank you to the youth for your spirit and heart who were the true stars of this championship.”
IFMA extends its congratulations to the Turkish Muaythai Federation for this remarkable event just months away from the 2024 IFMA Youth World Championships in Bangkok.
