Over the last 20 years, Amateur Muaythai has grown into a very popular sport. This can certainly be attributed to the achievements of the International Federation of Muaythai Amateur (IFMA) who have taken Muaythai as a ring sport to a new level.

The IFMA World Championships have become a regular event for Muaythai enthusiasts. They come to battle it out for the Prince’s or King’s Cup over 10 days of competition. IFMA has organized these tournaments since 1990 and the competition grows bigger every year. Numbers have surged from 12 in the first year to 70 countries last year.

In the year 2004, saw the biggest IFMA gathering ever held with 70 countries participating in Thailand – an increase of 40% from the previous tournament, a phenomenal growth for a previously little-known sport. The tournament has become a vital part of the sport’s growth - no longer are athletes isolated in their own communities, unaware of developments in other boxing communities. Seeing the best of the best compete inspires everyone to go home and continue to train even harder for the next event. There is a real sense of taking part in something special when you see how hard the athletes have worked and how talented those competing are.

Significantly, the 2000 Championships saw the introduction of a Junior Division. Enthusiastic, talented juniors are the backbone of any sport - holding its future in their hands. Various countries sent teams of youth aged between 15-18 years old proving the depth of talent which is available to all national IFMA coaches.

During the inception of this part of the competition, the medal pedestals were dominated by the Thai youngsters but over time this has changed. In the 2002 World Cup, France took 2nd place in the Team Competition with Russia third, following by The Netherlands.  Further, in 2002 - 2003, other teams Finland, Byelorussia, Ukraine, Australia, Kazakhstan, and South Africa began to stake a claim. It is only a matter of time before this part of the tournament is as well attended as the Seniors.

It is an incredible experience for these young athletes to have the opportunity to represent their country on a global stage. The friendships formed at this age will last and grow as their interest in the sport continues to deepen.

It is reassuring to see the spirit of Muaythai being carried on so well into the next generation.

Although Muaythai was traditionally a male sport, IFMA saw fit to modernize the sport with the introduction of female fights in 2000 - beginning life as a demonstration sport (see HerStory of Amateur Muaythai). This was followed in 2002 by 20 countries represented by females and increasing to 28 by the 2003 World Championship in Kazakhstan. Full teams were entered in the 2004 Championships by almost 50 countries.

It is essential for any sport in the 21st century that it is competed in by both genders, so that it does not stagnate and lose vitality.

Another sign of the global surge in Amateur Muaythai under IFMA was the holding of the 2003 Championships in Almaty, Kazakhstan. A well-attended event, it was on the more colorful in the calendar.

During the time of the original Olympiad in Greece, wars and feuds were suspended to allow for free participation in the Games. IFMA truly believes that sport is a great tool to unite people – time to forget the differences of race, politics, and nationality. The IFMA World Championships is certainly about all nations coming together for the love of Muaythai. The sportsmanship you will see during the event is the most glorious scene anyone could image.

With such dizzy heights already scaled, where will IFMA Amateur Muaythai go from here? 

For Asian athletes, the lure of the SEA Games and the Asian Games is strong. Muaythai was already a demonstration sport at the 1998 Asian Games (under IFMA) and hopes are strong that it will soon become a full sport as it is now listed on the panel of sports. It is also on the panel of sports for the SEA Games and thanks to the hard work and dedication of our Philippine friends Muaythai is a full medal sport at the 2005 Sea Games in Manila. Muaythai has also included been in the 2005 Asian Indoor Games   - Macau will host the 2007 games.

Of course, the pinnacle for amateur sports is the Olympic Games.  Since 1896, receiving an Olympic medal for your country is every athlete’s dream and this is no less true for Muaythai boxers than anyone else.

We are certainly aware that the Olympics are still a dream for Muaythai and IFMA.

But, in other arenas IFMA is continuing to move forward. Having been recently accepted into the GAISF grouping, moves are afoot to include Muaythai into the World University Games as well as the Indoor Asian Games. This global recognition of the sport and of IFMA can only bring an even brighter future for all Muaythai athletes and enthusiasts.

One World One MUAYTHAI