WMC from Past to Present
The World Muaythai Council is stepping up another gear. It has been nearly 20 years since the World Muaythai Council was established under the directive of the Royal Thai government by parliament resolution to govern all aspects of muaythai and to support amateur muaythai to its highest recognition.
The inauguration meeting was held in the United Nations headquarters in Bangkok and since then so many glorious events promotions and structural campaigns have been held under the banner of the World Muaythai Council.
The president of the World Muaythai Council, whom is also the honorary president for the Olympic Committee of Thailand, former commander and chief defence minister of the Royal Thai Army stated that Thailand could not be more proud of what has been achieved and how Muaythai has gained international recognition, and on the amateur side through the world governing body for amateur muaythai, IFMA.
In the glory days of the beginning of an established and unified Muaythai in Thailand, events like the Royal cups such as the Prince Cup, Queen’s Cup, and King’s Cup laid the foundation for ground breaking events in which female muaythai was introduced and popularised. Since then, the sport has been catapulted onto the small screen, with reality TV shows such as The Contender Asia to the Emmy nominated Challenger Muaythai, as well as weekly fight feature shows on networks such as True Vision, ESPN and Fox Sport.
While the sport has enjoyed great growth in popularity, the WMC has also stepped up efforts towards social responsibility. In keeping with the ideal of sport giving back, the WMC has continually supported various charity events globally from Montego Bay to Monte Carlo in events organised in cooperation with the Organisation for Peace & Sport, which have used muaythai to connect people and created opportunities for those less fortunate.
The Muaythai Against Drugs (MAD) campaign has been up and running for 10 years with the support of IFMA and under the leadership of HE General Pichitr Kullavanijaya, it has succeeding in helping thousands of kids to find the right path in life and learn important values.
“As far as we have come, the real work has only begun. Muaythai has become a way of life, for fitness, self-defence, and competition. Progression for athletes is paramount and that’s why the corporation and marriage with IFMA is important. If there are no High Schools then there cannot be any Universities and if there are no Universities then where do we go after High School? ” – WMC President General Chetta Thanajaro