Muay Thai now an Olympic sport

TBP Desk

Combat sport Muay Thai has been granted full recognition by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) after observing a provisional IOC recognition for a period of three years.

The acceptance of the Thailand’s traditional martial art and the International Federation of Muay Thai Associations (IFMA), its global governing body, came at the 138th IOC session last week, reports Bangkok Post. A realistic goal for the newly recognized sport would be a 2028 Olympics debut in Los Angeles.

Meanwhile, the IOC session also recognised two other combat sports – Kickboxing and Sambo – along with lacrosse, cheerleading, and ice stock.

IOC Sport Director Kit McConnell told the media that the sports conformed to the Olympic Charter during their provisional recognition, with each fulfilling required criteria.

With the growing popularity of combat sports, the announcement of potential new arrivals comes with no surprise.

There are currently five combat sports in the Olympics: Boxing, Taekwondo, Karate, Wrestling, and Judo.