Muay Thai, a centuries-old martial art, has taken significant steps toward participation in both continental and Olympic Games. Its journey has been long and challenging, but through perseverance and strategic efforts, Muay Thai is edging closer to achieving full Olympic inclusion. The participation of this combat sport in global arenas promises to showcase a distinct and unique dimension of martial arts on the world stage.
The path to Olympic recognition began in 2012, when the International Federation of Muay Thai Associations (IFMA) made its first official move toward the International Olympic Committee. The IFMA submitted a formal letter, expressing its aspirations to be recognized as the official governing body for Muay Thai on the global stage, with the ultimate goal of seeing the sport included in the Olympic Games.
THE IOC’S 54 CRITERIA
After the IFMA’s submission, the IOC responded by outlining a set of 54 criteria that Muay Thai would need to meet before the sport could even be considered for Olympic inclusion. These criteria were both comprehensive and demanding, addressing everything from the structure of the sport’s governing body to its global presence, competition rules, and ethical standards.
To be considered for Olympic recognition, IFMA was required to demonstrate that it functioned as an effective, transparent, and democratic international federation. Moreover, Muay Thai needed to show that it was practiced widely and globally, beyond just a few select countries, with a clear set of standardized competition rules and ethical guidelines for athletes, coaches, and officials.
The criteria also encompassed critical issues such as anti-doping compliance, ensuring that athletes adhered to the strict standards set by the World Anti-Doping Agency, and safety protocols for competitors. In addition, promoting gender equality within the sport, both in terms of participation and leadership roles, was a key requirement.
The IFMA took on this challenge with determination. Over the following years, it made substantial strides toward meeting the IOC’s criteria. One of the significant milestones was Muay Thai’s inclusion in major multi-sport events such as the World Games and the World Combat Games. These platforms not only helped raise the sport’s visibility but also contributed to its growing credibility on the international stage.
The hard work paid off in 2016, when the IOC granted provisional recognition to Muay Thai. This was a crucial step forward, marking the IOC’s official acknowledgment of Muay Thai as a sport, although it still did not guarantee participation in the Olympic Games. Provisional recognition allowed IFMA to work more closely with the IOC, refining its organizational structure and ensuring that it could consistently meet the standards expected of an Olympic sport.
A LANDMARK ACHIEVEMENT IN 2021
In 2021, during the Tokyo Olympic Games, Muay Thai achieved a historic milestone. The IFMA was granted full recognition by the IOC, officially confirming Muay Thai as part of the Olympic Movement. This recognition is an acknowledgment of the sport’s progress and alignment with Olympic values such as fairness, athlete safety, and universal appeal.
However, full recognition does not mean automatic inclusion in the Olympic Games themselves. While the recognition places Muay Thai in a stronger position to advocate for future inclusion, several obstacles remain. The IOC limits the number of sports that can be included in each Olympic cycle, and competition for these slots is fierce. Sports like Flag Football and Lacrosse, for example, were prioritized for the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
WHY MUAY THAI ISN’T IN THE OLYMPIC YET
Although Muay Thai has made tremendous progress, its full inclusion in the Olympic Games has not yet materialized. The IOC must carefully manage the number of sports included in the Games, and the selection process is highly competitive. In recent Olympic cycles, newer sports like skateboarding, surfing, and breakdancing were prioritized, leaving Muay Thai to wait its turn.
For Muay Thai to be included, the IFMA must continue demonstrating the sport’s global appeal and commitment to Olympic values. This includes further expanding its worldwide audience and proving that it aligns with the ideals of fair play, gender equality, and athlete safety.
With full recognition now in place, the chances for Muay Thai’s inclusion in future Olympic Games have significantly improved. The IFMA’s next major goal is likely to advocate for the sport’s inclusion in upcoming Olympic cycles, with an eye on the Brisbane 2032 Games as a realistic target. As Muay Thai continues to grow in popularity and visibility, its inclusion in the Olympics seems not just a possibility, but an eventuality.
The sport’s participation in continental arenas, combined with its progress on the global stage, is setting the groundwork for what could be a historic moment for Muay Thai. Its eventual inclusion in the Olympic Games will introduce a new dimension of combat sports, offering a blend of ancient tradition and modern athleticism to a global audience.
The road may have been long and winding, but Muay Thai’s journey toward Olympic recognition is a testament to the dedication and resilience of its athletes, leaders, and supporters. And with every step forward, the dream of seeing Muay Thai in the Olympics moves closer to becoming a reality.
