The International Federation of Muaythai Associations -IFMA- and the International School Sport Federation -ISF- have formalised a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Lausanne, establishing a strategic partnership to develop muaythai as a global school sport. The agreement was signed by IFMA President Dr Sakchye Tapsuwan and Director General Charissa Tynan, alongside ISF President Željko Tanasković, Vice President Antônio Hora and Executive Director Hasnae El Ayoubi.
The MoU sets out a framework for cooperation aimed at integrating muaythai into school sport systems across different countries, promoting its practice in an educational, safe and values-based environment, and creating new competitive pathways for young athletes. Both organisations will work together to foster educational initiatives linked to sport and to promote international school muaythai competitions with defined technical and cultural standards.
A world school muaythai championship
One of the main milestones resulting from the agreement will be the launch of the ISF World School Muaythai Championship, scheduled for 2027. IFMA and ISF are already working on the design of this global school event, which aims to become the first major international platform dedicated specifically to muaythai within the educational framework.
IFMA President Dr Sakchye Tapsuwan highlighted the significance of the agreement: “This MoU represents a milestone in developing muaythai for young people around the world and aligns with the shared vision of IFMA and ISF of sport as a vehicle for education, inclusion and personal growth.” He added that the federation is “proud to join forces with ISF to create meaningful competitive and learning opportunities that broaden access to muaythai and inspire the next generation of athletes.”
Educational dimension and international expansion
From ISF’s perspective, the partnership strengthens its global school sport offer. President Željko Tanasković stated: “We are delighted to welcome IFMA as a strategic partner committed to expanding opportunities for school sport participants.” In his view, the cooperation “enhances our international programme and ensures that muaythai can flourish within school communities worldwide.”
The agreement forms part of ISF’s broader strategy of working closely with International Federations to expand the range of disciplines included in school sport. This approach seeks not only to increase youth participation, but also to reinforce the educational dimension of sport and consolidate structured environments for training and competition.
Competitive pathways for the next generation
Through this alliance, IFMA and ISF aim to establish a sustainable model that facilitates the transition from school-level participation to higher levels of competition, providing young athletes with an organised pathway within the educational system. The promotion of muaythai in schools is also expected to extend its presence into new territories and strengthen its grassroots base from an early age.
The signing of the MoU consolidates an institutional framework that integrates sporting development, values-based education and international projection, positioning muaythai within the global school sport ecosystem and opening a new phase for its structured expansion among young people.
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