The ballroom at the Radisson Hotel in Bangkok was filled with
dignities, press, and officials, for the official muaythai press
conference.
His Excellency the Privy Councilor of His Majesty the King of
Thailand opened the press conference with an emotional speech
showing his pride that muaythai is one of the 13 sports and arts at
this historical event. He also showed his joy that SportAccord
Combat Games is not solely a competitive event, but also a cultural
exchange which will give muaythai a chance to show its beauty to
all participants and attendees.
The President of the World Muaythai Council, General Chetta
Thanajaro, stated that every Thai should be proud that muaythai has
truly become an international sport, and that through SportAccord,
muaythai has become a member of the world sporting family. He also
thanked all the hardworking national federations and also
SportAccord, especially the President Mr. Verbruggen for his
vision.
The representative of the National Culture Commission, Sunantha
Mitr Ngam, stated that Beijing is a fantastic chance to showcase
muaythai, its deep traditions and values, not only as a competition
sport but rather as a martial art. She further enthused about all
the activities organized by BODA, and congratulated Beijing on the
cultural exhibitions and forum, and that muaythai also is proud to
be one of the three selected speakers. She also congratulated IFMA
on the initiative of the cultural night in Beijing during the
Games.
The President of the National Olympic of Thailand, General
Yuthasak Sasiprapa, congratulated the Amateur Muaythai Association
of Thailand and IFMA on the national and international work, and
wished the Thai national team all the best success in this
important event.
The President of IFMA, Dr Sakchye Tapsuwan, expressed his
satisfaction with all preparations, both with the selection process
by IFMA in sending their elite athletes, and with SportAccord's
achievement in writing history for all martial arts, with this
event having been four years in the making.
The General Secretary of IFMA Mr. Stephan Fox made a detailed
presentation on both the competition side and the preparations for
the cultural side of the upcoming event. He stated that
Beijing is well on track with all preparations and he especially
thanked the hardworking SportAccord and organizing committee and
also the IFMA international office for all their hard work. Mr. Fox
also proudly announced the Muaythai Ambassador, the winner of the
Miss World Contest for the best national costume, and Thai movie
star, Gavintra Phothijak.
Mr Monchai Chokpaiboonkit, Deputy Director of FBT, IFMA official
equipment sponsor for SportAccord, showed the official uniform for
the opening ceremony which was extremely well received by
everyone.
The Thai Government, which is in full support of the Games, took
the initiative for the Thai National Team to encourage all athletes
with a $35,000 bonus for every athlete bringing home a gold medal
for Thailand, $15,000 for silver, and $8000 for bronze. The
announcement received a standing ovation, and now is in line with
many other countries awarding financial incentives for
athletes.
Over the next 2 weeks, there will be another 10 press
conferences held around the world, and muaythai is ready for
Beijing for the martial art event of all martial events,
SportAccord Combat Games 2010.