by Stephan Fox
The IFMA World Championships in 2011 was held in Uzbekistan and drew together athletes from 80 countries across all five continents. It was as much a cultural festival as it was a sports competition. One great milestone was the inclusion of a full female team by the Islamic Republic of Iran. The republic also sent a mixed muaythai aerobic team which performed at both the opening and closing ceremonies.
In this competition, the athletes from Israel and Iran stood proudly, side by side, behind their respective flags.
Another superb example of how sport promotes peace and unity is The Challenger Muaythai, a hit reality TV show. Malaysia won the bid to host the television program in which 16 athletes across the globe qualified to train and live together. Over a 13 week period the athletes compete until the champion emerges at the grand final.
Over 300 million people follow the dreams, hopes, and sacrifices these athletes make to become the ultimate champion. The Challenger Muaythai has become the number one hit show; exceeding viewer figures for all other networks in the same time-slot.
Another milestone which has made this show special is that Malaysia made an exception in allowing an Israeli athlete to enter the country in order to participate in the program. This special permission has been granted in sup-port of the Olympic spirit and ideals.
During the course of The Challenger Muaythai, the Israeli athlete trained and lived alongside an Iranian champion. The two athletes developed a firm friendship through their experiences and ambitions, earning mutual respect for each other. The audience has been able to witness the truth that, regardless of any of their differences, athletes share common dreams and aspirations; and how sport helps bring people together.
The world governing body of muaythai would like to offer its thanks and appreciation to the Malaysian government and the state of Selangor. The platform and facilities they have provided have been a tremendous resource in this onward effort to promote the message of peace and unity across the world.
Over the past century, sport has played an integral role in bringing together cultures and creeds from across the globe. Thriving on the spirit of fair play and ethical behaviour, its power to communicate between all humanity has been instrumental in fostering an environment of inter-cultural dialogue.
Based on a foundation of respect, honour, fair play, ex-cellence and friendship, muaythai is a martial art steeped in ancient traditions with a long proud history. The aims of the modern sport strive to embody the ide-als of the Olympic spirit and international unity.
The World Muaythai Council and the International Federation of Muaythai Amateur, a member of SportAccord and recognised by the Olympic Committee of Asia, are the world governing bodies for the sport of muaythai. They are also a member of Peace and Sport and strong supporters of Generations for Peace. As international organisa-tions, the WMC and IFMA promote and institute programs aiding athletes—regardless of nationality, race or religion—to participate in competitions of all respects. No athlete can choose where they are born or what passport they carry—however they must universally have the right to participate in any event or program they have previously qualified for.
Based on a foundation of respect, honour, fair play, ex-cellence and friendship, muaythai is a martial art steeped in ancient traditions with a long proud history. The aims of the modern sport strive to embody the ide-als of the Olympic spirit and international unity.
The World Muaythai Council and the International Federation of Muaythai Amateur, a member of SportAccord and recognised by the Olympic Committee of Asia, are the world governing bodies for the sport of muaythai. They are also a member of Peace and Sport and strong supporters of Generations for Peace. As international organisa-tions, the WMC and IFMA promote and institute programs aiding athletes—regardless of nationality, race or religion—to participate in competitions of all respects. No athlete can choose where they are born or what passport they carry—however they must universally have the right to participate in any event or program they have previously qualified for.
The IFMA World Championships in 2011 was held in Uzbekistan and drew together athletes from 80 countries across all five continents. It was as much a cultural festival as it was a sports competition. One great milestone was the inclusion of a full female team by the Islamic Republic of Iran. The republic also sent a mixed muaythai aerobic team which performed at both the opening and closing ceremonies.
In this competition, the athletes from Israel and Iran stood proudly, side by side, behind their respective flags.
Another superb example of how sport promotes peace and unity is The Challenger Muaythai, a hit reality TV show. Malaysia won the bid to host the television program in which 16 athletes across the globe qualified to train and live together. Over a 13 week period the athletes compete until the champion emerges at the grand final.
Over 300 million people follow the dreams, hopes, and sacrifices these athletes make to become the ultimate champion. The Challenger Muaythai has become the number one hit show; exceeding viewer figures for all other networks in the same time-slot.
Another milestone which has made this show special is that Malaysia made an exception in allowing an Israeli athlete to enter the country in order to participate in the program. This special permission has been granted in sup-port of the Olympic spirit and ideals.
During the course of The Challenger Muaythai, the Israeli athlete trained and lived alongside an Iranian champion. The two athletes developed a firm friendship through their experiences and ambitions, earning mutual respect for each other. The audience has been able to witness the truth that, regardless of any of their differences, athletes share common dreams and aspirations; and how sport helps bring people together.
The world governing body of muaythai would like to offer its thanks and appreciation to the Malaysian government and the state of Selangor. The platform and facilities they have provided have been a tremendous resource in this onward effort to promote the message of peace and unity across the world.
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