International News

A special meeting was held at the Four Wings Hotel in Bangkok for the upcoming 'Muaythai Towards IOC' event. The meeting was chaired by H.E. General Pichitr Kullavanijaya, Privy Councillor to His Majesty the King, and at the main table, there were dignitaries such as Dr. Nat Indrapana, IOC Member for Thailand, General Chetta Thanajaro, President of the WMC, Dr. Sakchye Tapsuwan, President of IFMA, Admiral Surawut Maharom, Advisor to Educational Funds for the Sports Executive

Committee, and representing the international muaythai community, Stephan Fox. Over eighty people from all Thai Government departments came together showing unity in preparation for the historic event which will take place April 3rd.

H.E. General Pichitr Kullavanijaya made a moving speech about the history or muaythai and its ancient traditions, stating that he feels proud, as a Thai, that muaythai has truly gained international

recognition. The fact that so many sporting dignitaries, such as Mr. Verbruggen and Mr. Froehlich, are travelling to Bangkok, shows the support of the international community. As muaythai already has the honour of a place in SportAccord, Dr. Nat Indrapana clearly stated the necessity of ensuring that all requirements are in place for muaythai and IFMA to earn recognition from the IOC. General Chetta Thanajaro, President of the WMC, the world organization for all aspects of muaythai, said that this campaign must be a national agenda for Thailand, and that he is very happy that all government departments, plus the National Olympic Committee of Thailand, are all working together with the international muaythai community to ensure the success of the application.

The President of IFMA, Dr. Sakchye Tapsuwan, made a detailed presentation on the roadmap towards the IOC, and also spoke on behalf of the National Association of Thailand under Royal Patronage and IFMA, muaythai's international federation, stating that 128 countries are working together for this goal under the same rules, regulations and guidelines. The vice-president of the WMC and IFMA general secretary, also made a presentation about the IOC requirements, noting that muaythai is a valued member of the international sports community, recognised by SportAcord in 2006, being fully WADA compliant, and detailing IFMA's important youth development program.

Muaythai is ready for IOC.  April 3rd will be history in the making.

From today onwards, 6th February will be the official annual Muaythai Day, both in Thailand and worldwide.

After many months of preparation between the Thai Government, National Culture Commission, The World Muaythai Council (under directive of the Royal Thai Government) Amateur Muaythai Association Thailand (under Royal Patronage) and International Federation of Muaythai Amateur (recognised by SportAccord); the inauguration ceremony was held today.

The day honored Pra Chao Sun Petch IIX (Tiger King) and every year, Feb 6th will be a worldwide celebration.

The event was chaired by Sukumon Kunpluem, the Minister for Culture, and Co-Chaired by General Chetta Thanajaro, the President of the WMC.
Dr Sakchye Tapsuwan represented the Amateur MTAT and IFMA, and Stephan Fox, WMC VP and IFMA General Secretary, was invited to represent the international muaythai community. All Thai masters were present for the Krob Khru Ceremony, where the students paid homage to their teachers.

The event opened with the inauguration and paid homage to H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej. After all the 6 different muaythai styles - Muay Lopburi, Muay Chaiya, Muay Tah Sao, Muay Pak Klang, Muay Korad, Muay Palasueksa; all the masters performed their Wai Khru styles, which was the first time in a long time in Thailand.

6 February 2013 will be World Muaythai Day, and on this date the National Culture Commission, AMTAT, WMC and IFMA will invite the world to come to Thailand and be part of this joyous occasion.

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