The Organization
HISTORY OF MUAYTHAI
MuayThai also referred to as "Thai Boxing," is a known national sport of Thailand. It is a martial art sport that branched from military use during the Sukhothai Kingdom in the thirteenth century.
Muay Thai sports is also known as the "Art of eight limbs" since it uses eight contact points, including kicks, knees, elbows, and punches. The use of the eight points of contact makes it different from other stand- up combat sports like karate (four points of contact – feet and fists) and boxing (two points of contact – fists).
From Thailand, Muay Thai is now an international sport practiced and competent in many countries, including Saudi Arabia. Since the early twentieth century, Muay Thai has been categorized as a modern sport. The inclusion of Muay Thai in sports was influenced by British boxing, where boxing rings and codified rules were introduced and put in place. Besides being a sport, Muay Thai is also used in military forces for defence.
Muay Thai is a striking stand-up sport, with two fighters in the fighting ring throwing kicks, knees, elbows, and punches at each other. Throws, sweeps, and clinching are also allowed. These are most of the basic tricks in defence, making Muay Thai a necessity among the military.
MUAYTHAI IN THE KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA
Muaythai has a long tradition in Thailand but is a fairly new sport in the international scene and in Saudi Arabia. Originated in Thailand, Muaythai received international recognition through the IOC in 2020.
Muaythai is often not the only practiced discipline and developing athletes are practicing also other combat sports since Muaythai combines elements of e.g., Boxing and Kickboxing.
The private combat sports clubs are the backbone of these sports in Saudi Arabia with a high percentage of ex-pats who are conducting the sport and contributing as coaches and officials.
The following document will outline the current national and international situation and the strategic approach of the federation how the sports will be implemented on a bigger scale in Saudi Arabia in the future.
THE CROWN PRINCE, HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS PRINCE MOHAMMED BIN SALMAN AL SAUD
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman affirmed that Saudi sports had made huge leaps in recent years, noting that it contributed 6.5 billion riyals to the GDP in 2018, compared to 2.4 billion in 2016.
In statements reported by the Saudi Press Agency, SPA, the Saudi Crown Prince added: In the sports sector, the percentage of citizens practicing sports increased from 13% in 2015 to 19% in 2019. The sector's contribution to the GDP grew from 2.4 billion riyals in 2016 to 6.5 billion in 2018, an increase of 170 percent in just two years.
He added: We also developed all sports federations and increased their number.
THE MINISTER OF SPORTS HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS PRINCE ABDULAZIZ BIN TURKI AL SAUD
Muaythai has a long tradition in Thailand but is a fairly new sport in the international scene and in Saudi Arabia. Originated in Thailand, Muaythai received international recognition through the IOC in 2020.
Muaythai is often not the only practiced discipline and developing athletes are practicing also other combat sports since Muaythai combines elements of e.g., Boxing and Kickboxing.
The private combat sports clubs are the backbone of these sports in Saudi Arabia with a high percentage of ex-pats who are conducting the sport and contributing as coaches and officials.
The following document will outline the current national and international situation and the strategic approach of the federation how the sports will be implemented on a bigger scale in Saudi Arabia in the future.
THE MINISTER OF SPORTS HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS PRINCE ABDULAZIZ BIN TURKI AL SAUD
Under the guidance of our wise leadership and the support of the Crown Prince, the sports sector has achieved unprecedented growth. Because we have a great passion for sports, which is one of the main pillars of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, our ambitions have soared and become a significant contributor to our economic journey.
PRESIDENT OF THE SAUDI MUAYTHAI FEDERATION FROM PRINCE FAHAD AL SAUD
Muaythai has a bright future in Saudi Arabia. The global rise of MMA has put muaythai on the map as one of the highest forms of combat sports, which demands discipline, dedication, and fitness – attributes that are in line with the Vision 2030.
The upcoming generation of young Saudis will find a perfect preparation for the challenges of today´s world through Muaythai, and we will ensure that as many young males and females will be able to experience this sport for their personal, mental and physical development.
The private combat sports clubs are the backbone of these sports in Saudi Arabia with a high percentage of ex-pats who are conducting the sport and contributing as coaches and officials.
The following document will outline the current national and international situation and the strategic approach of the federation how the sports will be implemented on a bigger scale in Saudi Arabia in the future.
RECOGNITION LETTER FROM THE IFMA
The following document will outline the current national and international situation and the strategic approach of the federation how the sports will be implemented on a bigger scale in Saudi Arabia in the future.
Dear Prince Fahad,
Please accept our most respectful greetings from the IFMA International headquarters.
We want to congratulate yourselves, the National Federation and National Olympic Committee under the Presidency of HRH Prince Abdul Aziz bin Turki Al- Faisal for developing the progressive sport in Saudi Arabia.
Muaythai has gained even more international acceptance after the full recognition by the International Olympic Committee, and Saudi Arabia will play a vital role in the development, especially in the Gulf Countries and Asia.
With Riyadh having been awarded the 2023 World Combat Games, you can be assured of our full support towards the development in all aspects as we again understand the importance your federation will play.
*Please do not hesitate to contact us for any support you may need. Muaythai is very fortunate to have the GAISF Vice President who heads the multisport games department of GAISF and IFMA Secretary General Stephan Fox having this close relationship with Saudi Arabia.
Dr. Sakchye Tapsuwan President of the IFMA
Mission
The Saudi Muay Thai Federation is responsible to run, expand and promote the sport of Muay Thai in the Kingdom. Joining other Arab national federations and international federations under the Saudi Flag. The mission is to grow this combat sport by leading, inspiring, and creating suitable competitive environments to empower athletes, develop their confidence and motivate them to participate in all competitions.
Vision
Our vision is to develop Muay Thai throughout the Kingdom by enhancing the knowledge and interest of the athletes, improving all aspects of the game, and aiming to be recognized as a world class sports Federation. Promoting sports activities to our community. Achieving excellence in Muay Thai regionally and internationally. The aim of raising the level of sports performance in the Kingdom, and organizing sports in the interest of all groups and interests of society, in line with the Kingdom’s vision 2030, in light of the major developments in Saudi sports at the levels And all aspects, in addition to achieving the committee’s strategies aimed at building a distinguished sports generation in various games and various sports, in order to represent the Kingdom and raise its name high in all international, regional and continental forums, foremost of which is the 2034 Asian Games, which will be held in the Kingdom.
Objectives
- Organization and Data Management
- Develop International Partnership
- Promoting Muaythai in KSA.
- Increasing coaches, referees and athlete levels.
- Supporting clubs and schools activating Muaythai.
- Provide exposure and opportunities for talents in local tournaments and competitions.
- Encourage women’s and youth competitions.
- Develop national program and prosper the game reaching international standards.
- Win medals on the international stage.
Values
Muay Thai is built on 5 important pillars; Respect, Honour, Tradition, Fair-Play, and Excellence
- Honour:
This requires the involvement of all Muay Thai stakeholders: to show grace as much in defeat as we do in victory. We must honour the future generation as much as we do our forefathers and mothers. We must honour our opponents as much as we do our teammates. Showing respect for one another, towards the rules and regulations of SMF, and upholding a spirit of solidarity.
- Tradition:
The fostering of Muay Thai’s historical roots and all cultural aspects and customs inherent in the sport from its ancient origins. Where giving back to society has stood at the essence of the sport since two thousand years ago and today with the expansion of Muay Thai globally, this trait has continued and not been forgotten. The world is a fast-moving place, but the traditions and values of our past generations must be treasured.
- Respect:
The practice by all SMF stakeholders of a respectful involvement regardless of race, age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or nationality. Respect for one another, regardless of gender, social standing, religion, abilities, race, or age. If there is no respect, there is no survival. Athletes display the highest respect for one another whether one wins or loses.
- Excellence:
Promoting the highest levels of achievement in competition, coaching, and officiating. The pursuit of excellence in continuing to ensure that all Muay Thai practitioners and stakeholders will be the best that they can be and continue to practice excellence in all fields of what we do. SMF also ensures that everyone has the right to education and sport regardless of gender or social standing.
- Fair-Play:
The provision of a level playing field for competition, encouraging sportsmanship, efficiency, and transparency in the operations of SMF, as well as strict adherence to the IFMA & World Anti-Doping Code. To have it practiced as much outside the competition area as it is inside the ring. Muay Thai practitioners should rather fail in honour than win in dishonesty. Fair play must be demonstrated between the athletes through the absence of doping; referees and judges must ensure that the true victor’s hand will be raised; sport integrity and the ethical behaviour must remain the centre of our sport.
President: His Royal Highness Prince Fahd Mansour bin Saad Al Saud
Mr. Ryan Ghazi Khamis Al-Ahmad
Board Members
Mr. Khaled Mohamed Saad Al-Juhani
Board Members
Eng. Nasser Abdulazziz Nasser Al-Moaibed
Board Members
Mr. Bassam Abbas Ahmed Al Yamani
Board Members
CEO: Eng. Abdulaziz Albnan
