IFMA has reinstated the flags of Russia and Belarus at Muay Thai competitions
The International Federation of Muay Thai Associations (IFMA) has confirmed that athletes from the aggressor nations of Russia and Belarus have been granted the right to return to international competition under their national flags and emblems in all age groups and weight classes.
This was reported by Suspilne Sport.
The updated participation rules allow national teams to display their countries’ official abbreviations and national insignia on their uniforms at all sanctioned events, including championships for juniors, athletes under 23, and adults.
The federation noted that the return of representatives from these countries will intensify competition at future events and strengthen the commitment to transforming Muay Thai into a platform for friendship, excellence, inclusion, cultural exchange, and peace through sport. According to the organization’s president, Sakch’ye Tapsuwan, Muay Thai is built on the values of respect, honor, tradition, and unity, and since 2022, athletes from Russia and Belarus have continued to participate in events at all levels as “neutral” competitors, often with very strong delegations and a significant number of participants.
The ban on national symbols for representatives of Russia and Belarus has been in effect since March 2022. In addition to Muay Thai, athletes from Russia and Belarus have already been allowed to compete under their own flags in all age categories in wrestling, sambo, judo, taekwondo, and artistic gymnastics, and at the junior level, sanctions have been lifted in chess, fencing, and volleyball.
World Athletics has confirmed that Russian and Belarusian athletes will remain suspended from its competitions.
World Gymnastics has completely lifted all existing restrictions on athletes from Russia and Belarus.
