The beautiful city of Cheong Ju in the Republic of Korea was the venue for the World Martial Arts Masterships with 17 martial arts coming together in the spirit of combat sport, friendship and sporting and cultural exchange.
Muaythai, certainly being one of them with athletes and delegates from 25 countries attending the amazing opening ceremony. The opening was world class and His Excellency the Governer of Chungcheongbuk-do Province and chairman of the event Mr Lee made an emotional speech on the spirit of martial arts, unity and diversity.
The General Secretary of the United Nations Mr Ban Ki-Moon made a surprise speech on the power of sport and the contribution sport makes to world peace.
AIMS president and IFMA General Secretary Stephan Fox delivered a heartful speech thanking the city of Cheong Ju for hosting this event, the governer for inviting all the athletes to this beautiful part of the world and addressing the athletes as the ambassadors stating that peace begins with a smile and that our athletes are the example of this.
The stage is open for 7 days of cultural and sporting exchange.