IFMA
IFMA (International Federation of Muaythai Associations)
Inaugurated in 1993, the International Federation of Muaythai Amateur (“IFMA” International Federation of Muaythai Associations) is composed of 128 member countries grouped around five continental federations united under a single regulatory body. The WMC is the only partner recognised by the IFMA The IFMA is the only international federation of amateur Muaythai recognised in the world, that promotes the sport and art of Muaythai.
In 1998, the IFMA was officially recognised by the Asian Olympic Committee.
In 2005, during the 23rd Asian Games of the Southeast in Manila, Thai boxing, under the aegis of the IFMA, acquired the status of an Olympic sport where men and women could compete in the disciplines of Muaythai and Wai Khru.
In 2006, IFMA was recognised by SportAccord (formerly “General Association of International Sports Federations,” GAISF).
In 2008, the World Championships of the IFMA, member of the Trim and Fitness International Sport for All (“TAFISA”) was organised under the patronage of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). IFMA promote Muaythai with disadvantaged youth as a means of social development.
In January 2011, the IFMA signed a memorandum of understanding with the “Peace and Sport” organisation under the Honorary Presidency of HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco and chaired by Mr . Joël BOUZOU— an agreement that reinforces the action of the IFMA in the transmission of Muaythai values, culture, and traditions, to children.
In April 2012, the IFMA launched, in cooperation with the “Peace and Sport”organisation, the “sport is your gang” project using Muaythai to improve the lives of disadvantaged and marginalised youth.
The IFMA programme for children in over 40 countries received the praise of the IOC members. In addition, the “Muaythai against Drugs” programme brought together Thai and Jamaican youth during a demonstration of the sport.
In 2010, the IFMA participated in the SportAccord “World Combat Games” in Beijing, bringing together the largest number of participants and spectators. The same year, the King’s Cup in Bangkok was broadcast live for the first time in the United States.
In April 2012, the IFMA launched the “Muaythai aims for the IOC” campaign. During a gala event, it submitted its letter of intent to the International Olympic Committee requesting Olympic recognition of Muaythai. At the same time, a request for participation in the World Games in 2017 has been filed with the International World Games Association.
