World Championship 2011 Press Conference
The General Secretary of IFMA, Stephan Fox, travelled to Uzbekistan to make a final inspection of the venue, hotel and other relevant areas for the upcoming World Championships to be held in the beautiful city of Tashkent from the 20th to the 27th September 2011. The World Championship is being organised by the Uzbekistan Amateur and Professional Muaythai Federation, the Government of Uzbekistan and the Centre of Development of Oriental Combat Sports and Martial Arts.
A press conference held in the ballroom of the Intercontinental Hotel was filled to bursting-point with members of the press. The President of the Uzbekistan Muaythai Federation Mr. Sherzod Tashmatov gave an emotional speech expressing his pride that Uzbekistan had won the bid to host the 2011 IFMA World Championship and that they will do their part in making this an unforgettable experience for all.
The representative of the Uzbek government, First Deputy Minister of Sport Mr Akramov J.A., stated that the government is in fully committed to supporting this historical event and will be a part of the organising committee to ensure the success of the games. The General Secretary of the Centre of Development of Oriental Combat Sports and Martial Arts, Mr Li УюТю, stated that the Centre has been working closely with the Uzbek Muaythai Federation and will continue to do so in order to promote the World Championship, Martial Arts and the spirit of friendship between all involved countries.
Ms. Sonia Couling, media personality and supporter of Muaythai, stated that she is proud to be a part of the IOC campaign and is especially proud of the female development which is progressing rapidly within the sport. She further stated that she is happy to hear that Uzbekistan is, for the first time, entering a female team to compete at the World Championships.
Mr Rolf Hess from the IFMA International Commission and part of the Strategic IOC Campaign Planning Committee stated that Muaythai is on the right track towards IOC recognition and that this World Championships is very important in showing the IOC that the World Championships are held outside of Thailand with perfect organisation and the full support of the presiding government.
The General Secretary of IFMA, Stephan Fox, thanked the Uzbekistan Amateur and Proffesional Muaythai Federation and especially its President, the Uzbek Government, the Centre of Development of Oriental Combat Sports and Martial Arts for making this event possible. The General Secretary made particular mention of the suggestions made with regard to the cultural exchange program and the opening ceremony. After spending three days in Tashkent he felt able to assure the world that the 2011 IFMA World Championships will be without doubt the best ever.
See you in Uzbekistan!
