Muaythai is getting more popular worldwide day after day, so lots of professional and amateur championships are carried out in different parts of the world. The year 2011 is promised to be busy and spectacular – International Federation of Muaythai Amateur in association with World Muaythai Council is pleased to announce the schedule of international tournaments for amateur sportsmen. These competitions will definitely attract new talents to muaythai and new stars will appear on the martial arts’ scene. So, get prepared for the great year!
2011 IFMA EVENTS
2011 will be a very big year for Muaythai. The World Muaythai Council the world governing body for muaythai established by Thai parliament decision and under the directive of the Royal Thai government in cooperation with IFMA the world governing body for amateur muaythai are set to have a busy year ahead...
SportAccord 2011, London 3-8th of April
Starting the year off the year for the IFMA International Headquarters will be the 2011 SportAccord Convention. The ninth edition of the sport summit will be coming to London one year ahead of the 2012 Olympics and Paralympic games in London. London is set to host 1500 leading decision-makers from international sport during the 6 day convention. The event is owned by SportAccord and is jointly organised by the Association of Summer and Winter Olympics.
Arafura Games 7 – 14 May 2011
The Arafura games fully supported by the IOC is more than a sporting event, but also a platform for cultural exchange and one of the key events in the Asia-Pacific sporting calendar. Muaythai is once again invited to take part as one of the major sports at the Arafura Games.
The Arafura Games targets developing athletes across the Asia Pacific region and beyond. In 2011, the Games will consist of 20 sports and for the third time, incorporate the Oceania Paralympic Championships. Having athletes with a disability compete in the same program as able-bodied athletes is a unique and exciting feature of the Arafura Games.
With sporting events being held at various sporting venues around Darwin, the Mararra Sporting Complex will continue to remain the central point of the Arafura Games. With the Arafura Games growing in reputation, it is anticipated that over 30 countries will participate in the next Games. All leading muaythai federations from the Asia-Pacific region will take part in this important event, which promises an electrifying opening ceremony. Minister for Sport and Recreation Karl Hampton announced ARIA award winner Jessica Mauboy will open the 2011 Arafura Games.
European Cup 2011, Dresden 11th-13th March
Again some of the leading countries in Europe will converge 6 weeks before the European championships to participate in this warm up event .This year’s European Cup will be held in Dresden, Germany with full support of the City of Dresden.
European Championship 2011, Antalya 23rd -29th April
One of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations Antalya, Turkey will host the IFMA 2011 European Championships. Over thirty countries will come together for this one week event organised by the Turkish Muaythai Federation with the full support of the Turkish Sports Ministry, National Olympic Committee and European Muaythai Federation under the umbrella of IFMA.
Asian Open Championships 2011, Iran, 15th – 19th April
The Islamic Republic of Iran has won the bid to host the 2011 Asian Open Championships, another major event in the FAMA and IFMA event calendar. Iran, one of the world powerhouses in muaythai is welcoming 24 Asian countries to this 5-day event jointly organised by the Iran Muaythai Federation, FAMA, IFMA, the Physical Education of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the National Olympic Committee of Iran.
IFMA World Championships 2011, Tashkent, 20th-27th September
Tashkent, Uzbekistan, the heart of Central Asia will be the host of the 2011 IFMA World Championships. As always, tradition, honour, friendship, respect and excellence are the main themes of this event which is jointly organised by the Uzbekistan Muaythai Federation, FAMA, IFMA, the City of Tashkent, the Uzbekistan Sports Ministry and National Olympic Committee of Uzbekistan. The muaythai world is eagerly awaiting this championship and is looking forward to visiting the beautiful city of Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
Kings cup & IFMA World Cup 2011, Bangkok, 30th November—5th December
The world’s leading athletes will travel to Bangkok for this prestigious event held in honour of His Majesty the King’s 84th Birthday celebrations. Only the best elite athletes will be invited from all previous 2011 qualification events to determine who will become the 2011 King’s Cup champion. The finals will be held in Bangkok in front of some 300,000 spectators.
26th Sea games Indonesia 2011
The 26th Southeast Asian Games will be held in Palembang, Indonesia in 2011. This will be the fourth time for Indonesia to host the SEA Games. Previously, Indonesia hosted the games in 1997. Palembang, the capital city of South Sumatra will be the main host of the games,*1+*2+ while the nation's capital Jakarta will be the supporting co-host.*3+ As the main host, Palembang will only hold 21 of 44 sports, the rest will be held by a co-host city. Jakabaring, Palembang which covers an area of more than 45,000 square metres will be the athlete’s village (wisma atlet) during the games. It is located in front of Jakabaring Stadium (Gelora Sriwijaya).
On the 10th of November 2010 in Palembang, Indonesian Minister of Sport and Youth began the year countdown to the 2011 SEA Games opening. The opening ceremony will be held on the 11th of November 2011 along Musi River and at the Kuto Besak Fort, Palembang, South Sumatra. The date was chosen because of its unique numbers 11-11-2011. The closing ceremony will be held in Gelora Sriwijaya Stadium.
IFMA is in full preparation for the event at which all South East Asian countries will be participating.