Bangkok Convention Centre was filled to the last seat for what was probably one of the most beautiful muaythai events ever held.  Thailand’s who’s who turned up to be a part of the official muaythai application to become recognized by the International Olympic Committee, to be included in the World Games, and to launch the “Sport Is Your Gang” campaign.

The Prime Minister assigned His Excellency General Yuthasak Sasiprapha, who is Deputy Prime Minister and also the President of the National Olympic Committee of Thailand, to chair the event.

So many people from around the world traveled to Bangkok: The President of Sport Accord, Mr. Hein Verbruggen, the President of the International World Games Association, Ron Froehlich, IOC member and President of AIBA, Dr. CK Wu, and many World Muaythai Council (WMC) and International Federation of Muaythai Amateur (IFMA) executive board members. From Thailand, General Chjetta Thanajaro, President of the World Muaythai Council, Dr. Nat Indrapana, IOC member for Thailand, and Dr. Sakchye Tapsuwan, President of the International Federation of Muaythai Amateur, warmly welcomed these international guests.

The event was simply spectacular, with an opening sequence of drums and a traditional muay boran show which left the audience breathless. General Yuthasak Sasiprapha led the official IFMA delegation to present the IOC application on behalf of IFMA to the President of SportAccord, Mr. Hein Verbruggen, and presenting the World Games application to Mr. Ron Froehlich, President of the International World Games Association. Many beautiful DVD presentations were made, and Thailand’s international celebrities, Sonia Couling, Matthew Deane and Boo Trairatana led the ceremony.

The opening fights were outstanding, with Leonardo Monteiro making Brazil proud by winning against Thailand’s Jack Sit Poo Pan Too. Slovakia’s Vladimir Konsky battled Thai warrior Rungrueangchai Dao Sriburee, and Thailand won in a very close decision. The “Sport Is Your Gang” title was between France’s own Sofiane Derdega and Thailand’s Lerdsila Chumpairtour, a fight which brought the audience to their feet.

Thirty embassies attended this event and no doubt it will stay in their memories for a long time to come. Now united, the night’s three objectives stand achieved.

Source: World Muaythai Council.