Abu dhabi: The International Muay Thai Federation (IFMA) has recognised the UAE as a global leader for its efforts in developing the sport and its professional organisation of events. Stephen Fox, Secretary-General of IFMA, highlighted the significance of the current Youth World Championships in Abu Dhabi, which has set a historic record with 2,000 participants, including athletes and administrative delegations, from 100 countries. The UAE national team also achieved record participation, fielding 122 male and female athletes across various categories and weight classes.
According to Emirates News Agency, Fox commended the event's neat organisation and the provision of all necessary arrangements. He stated that this underscores the great confidence in the UAE's capabilities to manage this impressive turnout and the global growth of the sport within the country, from grassroots to elite levels. Key to this success is the leadership of Abdullah Saeed Al Neyadi, President of the Asian and Arab Muay Thai Federations and President of the UAE Muay Thai and Kickboxing Federation.
Fox further remarked that hosting the event for the first time in the Middle East has created a special atmosphere with great enthusiasm among participants, particularly in the youth categories.