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The Thai martial art Muay Thai recognized by the International Olympic Committee

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The Thai martial art Muay Thai recognized by the International Olympic Committee

Muay Thai could soon become an Olympic sport. The International Olympic Committee has fully recognized the traditional martial art and its umbrella organization, the International Federation of Muay Thai Associations (IFMA), a committee member announced yesterday at the 138th IOC session in Tokyo.

“This is the beginning of the opportunity for muay Thai to become an Olympic sport.”

Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon, who also chairs the country’s National Olympic Committee, said the government will support the IFMA’s decision to recognize Thailand’s traditional martial arts and national sport.

“I can assure you that the Thai government will promote Muay Thai and support IFMA… We all have a common goal: to make Muay Thai an Olympic sport in the near future.”

Muay Thai was recognized by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) in 1999 after being shown as a demonstration sport at the Bangkok Games the year before. Muay Thai has not yet made its debut as a medal sport at the Asian Games.

At this year’s Olympics in Tokyo, marksman, Mr Naphatsawan Yangpaiboon and the skeet shooter, Mr Sawet Sethaporn will carry the Thai flag during the opening ceremony next Friday, the head of the Thai delegation said.

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