Russia Makes a Big Return to the Live Events
The Russian Muaythai Federation is showing great progress on the road back to live sport events with the organisation of a monumental muaythai event to commemorate the 300th Anniversary of the Kuzbass region and 20th Anniversary of the Kuzbass Muaythai Federation. The Kuzbass is a cradle of Russian muaythai producing such outstanding athletes like Artem Vakhitov, Artem Levin and Aleksei Ulianov to name a few.
More than 200 athletes from 30 regions came to Kuzbass to compete and fight for their spot on the Russian National team to represent their nation at the next IFMA international competitions.
Honourable guests of the opening ceremony included H.E. Ambassador of Thailand to the Russian Federation, the Republic of Armenia, the Republic of Belarus, the Republic of Moldova, and the Republic of Uzbekistan H.E. Sasiwat Wongsinsawat, Dmitry Putilin President of the Russian Muaythai Federation and IFMA Executive Committee Member, Sergei Myaus Minister of Physical Culture and Sports of Kuzbass and Artem Vakhitov Multiple-time IFMA Champion.
The Sergey Tsivilev, Governor of Kuzbass announced the event as an important moment for the region. “It’s a big honour which we deserved with our achievements in muaythai.”
He further commented on how Muaythai is a martial art filled with ancient traditions and like the Russian traditions, have been passed down from generation to generation and is now shared with the world. He noted that he was particularly pleased that H.E. Ambassador of Thailand to the Russian Federation, H.E. Sasiwat Wongsinsawat represented the Kingdom of Thailand at the opening ceremony to symbolise the close relationship between our two nations.
Dmitry Putilin, President of the RMTF said “We are pleased to be able to give our athletes a long-awaited opportunity to return to the live competition arena, and the level and talent of the athletes we are seeing is a strong demonstration of the determination and commitment the athletes have manage to maintain in their muaythai training and conditioning despite the restrictions and lockdowns.” Mr. Putilin whom is also an IFMA Executive Committee member further stated that Thailand could be proud that Muaythai is an IOC Recognised martial art and combat sport that has been recently included in the next edition of the European Games . He further stated Russia is a Muaythai powerhouse having won both the King’s and Queen’s Cup trophy at the last IFMA World Championship showcasing the strength of Russian athletes many of which originate from the Kuzbass region.
H.E. Sasiwat Wongsinsawat conveyed his well wishes on behalf of the Royal Thai Government to the Russian Government dignities the Russian Muaythai Federation and all athletes and officials. He congratulated Kuzbass on the success of the event and congratulated Russian Muaythai on there continued development in Muaythai. He further stated as a Thai, he was very proud that Muaythai is such a popular combat sport worldwide, but also that the traditional aspects of wai khru and mae mai muaythai have been included as full medal disciplines in the 2023 European Games and other IOC Recognised multi-sport games. He also expressed the commitment of the Royal Thai government towards the worldwide development of muaythai.
