In our ongoing series of interviews with remarkable athletes, I recently had the opportunity to meet Majid Fallah, a Muay Thai champion whose name has become synonymous with excellence in the sport. Majid, an Iranian-Swedish fighter, held titles as the Muay Thai champion of Asia and the world from 2004 to 2016. For this conversation, I traveled to Gothenburg, Sweden, where Majid currently resides. From the moment I met, his humility and grace were unmistakable, qualities that have clearly earned him respect both inside and outside the ring.
He greeted me warmly with a firm handshake and, in true Iranian hospitality, offered me a cup of Persian tea. As we sat down, it became clear that our conversation would be about much more than just his achievements. Majid’s deep connection to his homeland and his concern for the future of Iranian sports painted a broader picture of his life and ambitions.
THE CHALLENGES FACING IRANIAN ATHLETES
Majid spoke openly about the current struggles that athletes in Iran face. His concerns centered around the lack of support from national sports federations and the broader international sports community, including the International Olympic Committee. According to Majid, the situation in Iran has led to a mass exodus of athletes seeking better opportunities abroad.
“There’s a significant wave of migration among athletes from Iran,” he explained. “Many of them are now competing under the IOC-supported Refugee Teams. It’s disheartening to see talented individuals leave their home country because they are not provided the opportunities they deserve.”
Majid went on to highlight how the international sports community has largely turned a blind eye to the plight of these athletes, a situation he believes needs urgent attention. “The IOC should do more than just create refugee teams,” he said. “They need to address the root causes of why these athletes are forced to leave their countries in the first place.”
MUAY THAI AND THE OLYMPIC DREAM
Our conversation then turned to Muay Thai, the sport that has defined much of Majid’s career. As the world’s oldest form of martial arts and a symbol of Thai culture, Muay Thai has grown significantly in recent years. Majid shared his optimism about the sport’s increasing global recognition, particularly the possibility of Muay Thai becoming part of the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games.
“I believe Muay Thai deserves a place in the Olympics,” Majid stated firmly. “The sport has deep roots in Asia, and its popularity is undeniable. Every year, tourists from all over the world come to Thailand just to watch this sport.” Yet, despite this popularity, Majid pointed out that efforts to include Muay Thai in major international sporting events have been slow, especially within Asia. “Thailand has hosted the Asian Games four times—1966, 1970, 1978, and 1998—but the Thai authorities have not pushed for Muay Thai’s inclusion in the Games as much as they could have.”
“Stephen Fox united all the forces behind the sport”
Much of Muay Thai’s progress on the international stage, Majid explained, is thanks to the efforts of Stephen Fox, the Secretary General of the International Federation of Muaythai Associations . “Without Fox’s dedication and vision, Muay Thai would not have reached the prominence it enjoys today. He united all the forces behind the sport and ensured that it aligned with the philosophy of the Olympic Charter.”
Majid spoke passionately about the importance of Muay Thai joining the Olympic movement. “The Olympic platform offers a unique opportunity for sports to grow globally. If Muay Thai can secure its place in the Games, it will encourage young athletes worldwide to take up the sport.” He emphasized that more official competitions need to be organized across continents to build momentum and attract more young people to Muay Thai. “This will pave the way for its inclusion in the 2032 Olympics,” Majid explained, his optimism palpable.
As our conversation came to a close, Majid reflected on the journey that has brought him to this point. From his early days as a fighter in Iran to his current life in Sweden, he has never lost sight of the values that define him: humility, respect, and an unwavering commitment to his sport. I thanked him for his time and the insights he shared. His warm hospitality—the Persian tea and the kindness in his words—brought back memories of my homeland, a place I have been away from for many years. As I shook Majid’s hand, I wished him the very best in his continued efforts to elevate Muay Thai to the global stage and, hopefully, into the Olympic Games.
