International Federation of Muaythai Amateur (IFMA), the world governing body of amateur muaythai and member of GAISF hosted delegates from over 122 countries at the Emerald Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand February 12-13, to attend the bi-annual IFMA Executive Board meeting. The last meeting was held in Busan, Korea on Sept. 30, 2008.  The meeting in Bangkok was opened by IFMA Honorary lifetime President, H.E. Privy Councillor to His Majesty the King of Thailand, General Pitchitr Kullavanijaya.

The IFMA Executive Board was charged with many important agenda points during the meeting.

Another central issue for the IFMA Executive Board is amateur muaythai’s inclusion in multi-sport games. Participation in multi-sport games is essential for muaythai to become an Olympic sport. IFMA has spearheaded muaythai’s entry into several games that are under patronage of the International Olympic Committee. Muaythai will be in the ARAFURA Games held in Darwin, Australia May 9-17, 2009.

The IFMA World Championship will be held in honor of His Majesty the King’s 83nd birthday November 27 through December 5, 2009. More than one hundred countries will participate in this historical world championship.

The next IFMA Executive Board meeting will take place in November 2009 in Bangkok, Thailand. IFMA wishes to thank its member federations for another successful meeting for the development of muaythai.

Source: http://www.ifmamuaythai.org/HTML/09_0226_exBrd.html