▲ President Dr. Sakchye Tapsuwan had speech at Muaythai IFMA Olympic Journey on 23rd May. [Source from= International Federation of Muaythai Associations(IFMA)]  © Seok-mu Mason KWON

International Federation of Muaythai Associations (President Dr. Sakchye TAPSUWAN, IFMA) makes 3 major announcements.

The Grand Ballroom at the Arnoma was filled with VIPs from the IFMA World Family, National Olympic Committees (NOCs), the Royal Thai Government for IFMA's press conference titled: "Past, Present, Future."

The event highlighted the upcoming events in the next 3 months with the '2024 IFMA World Championships' in Patras, Greece, IFMA's cooperation with the Fédération Française de Kickboxing, Muaythaï et Disciplines Associées (President Nadir ALLOUACHE, FFKMDA) and 'CLUB FRANCE' during 'Paris 2024 Games of the XXXIII Olympiad' and the '2024 IFMA Youth World Championships' in Bangkok, Thailand in September.

IFMA President Dr. Sakchye TAPSUWAN, opened the press conference welcoming all guests especially His Serene Highness Prince Nawaphansa Yugala, the Governor of the Sport Authority of Thailand (SAT), Dr. Gongsak YODMANEE, the representatives of the National Identity Foundation, the NSDF Fund Manager, Dr. Supranee GUPTASA, the President of the FFKMDA and Executive Board Member of the French Olympic Committee, Mr. Nadir ALLOUACHEll, the President of AIMS and SportAccord Executive Committee Member, Dr. Stephan FOX, the representatives of the Ministry of Sport, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Cultural Ministry, the Royal Thai Army, President of the Ukrainian Muaythai Federation, Mr. Pavel YEVTUSHENKO and the representative of the National Olympic Committee of Thailand and so many others.

The President of PAT and Vice President of IFMA, Khun Somchart CHAROENWACHARAWIT, showed his pride that IFMA now has 152 member countries and muaythai is travelling to the birthplace of the ancient Olympics not only for the

'2024 IFMA World Championships' but also for a cultural performance in Ancient Olympia.

The Director General of IFMA, Charissa TYNAN, provided a detailed rundown of all the 3 events and stated that IFMA will continue to place the athletes at the heart and soul of all IFMA events and continue the cooperation with the Olympic Movement. She further explained the importance of taking the athletes to the birthplace of the Ancient Olympics and that a special muaythai conference will be held at the International Olympic Academy (IOA).

The General Secretary of the Thai National Identity Foundation, Mr. Sompan CHARULIMINDA, outlined the important cooperation between IFMA and the Identity Foundation, speaking on the miracle of friendship through the power of sports bringing the sporting and muaythai family together without any discrimination, showcasing that living together is possible if we show respect for one another.

The President of the French Muaythai Federation and Executive Board Member of the French Olympic Committee, Mr. Nadir ALLOUACHE, outlined the cooperation between 'CLUB FRANCE' and the National Olympic Committee of France as muaythai is an important member and the activities planned at the 'CLUB FRANCE' during the Olympic period amongst many other important events.

The President of AIMS and SportAccord Executive Committee Member, Dr. Stephan FOX, made a detailed presentation on the recognition process for new sports in SportAccord and AIMS as the entry point into the Olympic Pyramid followed by the recognition process by the IOC and then, dreams can come true for the athletes as in the cases of lacrosse, American football and ski orienteering by example, making it into the Olympic programme. He encouraged the Muaythai Family to continue to work within their roles and responsibilities within the Olympic Movement ensuring continued inclusion in Olympic and IOC supported events such the European Games, World Games, etc. to create opportunities for the athletes.

He congratulated IFMA and muaythai on the recognition by the lOC and encouraged the IFMA Family to continue their path towards highest recognition.