Since its inception, the International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA) has remained deeply committed to putting athletes first. At the core of IFMA, athletes are not just participants; they are the heart and soul of the organisation. This focus on athletes transcends the realm of competition and extends to those who practice Muaythai for fitness, culture, and personal growth. IFMA’s dedication to inclusivity means that Muaythai is truly for everyone, regardless of ability or background.
A prime example of IFMA’s athlete-centric philosophy is the recent election of the new Chair and Vice Chairs of the IFMA Athletes Commission. The newly elected Chair is Lennert Swart from South Africa, with Yolanda Schmidt (Australia), Ahmad Hilal (Palestine), Laura Burgos (Mexico), and Rebecca Hodl (Austria) serving as Vice Chairs. The IFMA Youth Representative elected from the 2024 Youth World Championships in Bangkok, UAE’s Mariam Alsuwaidi, was also appointed as the honorary Vice Chair of the Athletes’ Commission.
The commission is a vital platform where athletes’ voices are heard, and their needs are represented at the highest levels. At the recent Athletes Commission meeting, athletes from diverse backgrounds, abilities, and continents gathered to discuss the future of the sport and ensure that their perspectives continue to shape IFMA’s direction.
IFMA firmly believes in creating opportunities for athletes to thrive both inside and outside the ring. To this end, the federation organises annual continental and world athletes workshops and conferences, offering athletes a space to connect, share experiences, and learn from experts in various fields. These events are often held in collaboration with IFMA’s key partners and stakeholders such as the International Testing Agency (ITA), World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) for clean sport initiatives, Mission 89 for the protection of athletes, and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Athletes Career Programme. These collaborations help ensure that IFMA remains at the forefront of athlete support, fostering a safe, ethical, and empowering environment.
One of IFMA’s most valued partnerships is with United Through Sports (UTS), where they work together to promote social change, helping athletes not only excel in sports but also make a meaningful impact on their communities.
As IFMA continues to evolve, the commitment to athletes remains steadfast. The newly elected Athletes Commission Chair and Vice Chairs will play an instrumental role in advancing this vision, ensuring that athletes, regardless of their discipline or skill level, continue to thrive in the Muaythai world.
