On 6 December muaythai was granted provisional recognition by the IOC Executive Board. In an official letter to IFMA President Dr. Sakchye Tapsuwan, the IOC congratulated IFMA “on its achievements in the development of the federation and the sport…”
President Dr Tapsuwan was overjoyed by the news which was the culmination of the work over many years by the IFMA to foster, develop and promote the Olympic values through the five pillars of muaythai: Honour, Respect, Fair Play, Tradition, and Excellence. Dr. Sakchye Tapsuwan said: “We would like to thank the IOC Sports Department for their utmost professionalism and guidance; and the IOC Executive Board members led by its President Dr. Bach for the trust and belief that IFMA has deserved IOC recognition and that IFMA will be a valuable addition to the IOC family.”
IFMA Sport Director Charissa Tynan stated “We lodged our intent to apply for the IOC recognition on April 3rd 2012 at a special gala event, handing over the letter of intent to IOC member CK Wu and former SportAccord President Hein Verbruggen along with our application to be included into the International World Games Association (IWGA) which was handed over to IWGA former President Ron Froelich. We received recognition by the IWGA in 2013 and in 2014 were official included as an official medal sport in The World Games. That was already a glorious moment for IFMA and our athletes. IFMA then continued on this trajectory to fulfil the important criteria set by the IOC to be a recognized international federation. Our athletes now stand proud under the Five rings while at the same time understand the responsibility that follows.”
IFMA General Secretary Stephan Fox noted “a lifelong dream of so many has finally been achieved. IFMA is a unique family. From the top to the bottom, from the bottom to the top, our muaythai anthem says it all. We are one. This is the achievement of all; the hard working National Federations which volunteer their time, our Executive Board whom have served with passion for so many years, our technical officials whom ensure that Fair Play is observed on all levels; our educators and coaches whom continually develop the sport and athletes. All of us have one goal. To protect, guide, pave the way and at the same time listen to our most important asset: our Athletes, our Youth.”