The International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA) has expressed its support for the recent decision by the Executive Board of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to withdraw its previous recommendations regarding the participation of Russian athletes and teams in international competitions, while also provisionally lifting the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee. For the organization, this decision reaffirms one of the fundamental principles of the Olympic Movement: that athletes should not be penalized for the actions of their governments and that sport must preserve its independence from political conflicts.
IFMA also acknowledged that the IOC has maintained its solidarity with Ukraine and reiterated that it is the responsibility of each International Federation to govern its competitions in accordance with the Olympic Charter, sound governance, and sporting integrity. In this context, the governing body of Muaythai maintains that protecting athletes’ rights and respecting equal opportunities must remain fundamental pillars to ensure that sport continues to be a space for connection and development for people around the world.
IFMA maintains an athlete-centered policy focused on equal opportunities
As an IOC-recognized federation and a member of the Olympic Movement, IFMA stated that throughout this entire process it has acted with responsibility, neutrality, and respect for the autonomy of sport. From the outset of the international restrictions, the organization chose to prioritize the participation of young athletes, ensuring that children and teenagers were not deprived of educational and youth championship opportunities because of political circumstances beyond their control.
This same philosophy has gradually been extended to the senior categories. IFMA recalled that eligible athletes from Russia and Belarus were able to return to international competition, taking part in events such as the 2025 IFMA European Championships and the 2026 IFMA Senior World Championships in Malaysia. According to the federation, this was carried out under strict eligibility regulations, full compliance with the World Anti-Doping Code, and a permanent commitment to fairness and the protection of competitive integrity.
Muaythai promotes sport as a bridge between cultures
For IFMA, the IOC’s recent decision also highlights the historic role of the Olympic Movement as a platform capable of bringing together people from different cultures, religions, and nationalities. The federation believes that values such as mutual respect, friendship, excellence, and solidarity allow athletes to become positive role models, fostering coexistence and understanding both inside and outside competition.
In this context, Muaythai reaffirms its identity as a discipline deeply rooted in respect, honor, humility, and cultural understanding. IFMA emphasizes that each of its championships brings together athletes from every continent in an environment where diversity is celebrated and exchanges between nations strengthen the spirit of sport. Therefore, the organization reiterated its commitment to continue working alongside the IOC, National Olympic Committees, and its member federations to ensure that Muaythai remains a platform for education, inclusion, friendship, and peace, in line with the values of the Olympic Charter.
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