The International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA) has unveiled a new universal ranking system, designed to provide a fair, transparent, and competitive pathway for athletes aiming to qualify for the 2025 World Games in Chengdu, China, as well as the next World Combat Games. This system not only recognises excellence but also ensures that athletes across various divisions have an equal opportunity to secure their place at these prestigious events.
A New Approach to Ranking and Qualification
The revised ranking system places importance on all medal performances—not just gold—ensuring that every podium finish contributes towards an athlete’s overall ranking. Additionally, athletes who compete in larger brackets are rewarded with more ranking points, reinforcing the principle that tougher competition should be recognised accordingly.
The IFMA Global Rankings system provides a comprehensive insight into the ranking assignment process. A key feature of this system is the recognition of event levels, with the IFMA World Championships carrying the highest score factor. The ranking methodology considers multiple factors, including medal achievements, the number of wins within a competition, and the level of the event.
Athletes and stakeholders can explore the latest rankings by visiting: IFMA Global Rankings
Key Qualification Criteria for TWG 2025
The qualification period for The World Games 2025 began immediately after the conclusion of TWG 2022 and will run until 31st December 2024. Throughout this timeframe, athletes accumulate points based on their performances in IFMA-sanctioned events.
Each National Federation is allowed to send a maximum of three athletes, except for the host nation, China, which has the privilege of entering up to six athletes.
Weight Divisions for TWG 2025
The following weight divisions have been selected for the 2025 World Games, chosen for their popularity and range:
- 48KG Female
- 54KG Female
- 60KG Female
- 57KG Male
- 71KG Male
- 86KG Male
These divisions have been determined based on the games’ quota allocated to Muaythai, with each division featuring a total of eight athletes.
Final Confirmation and Athlete Selection
To ensure the best representation of Muaythai at TWG 2025, IFMA member National Federations must confirm their selected athletes by 17th January 2025. Any unconfirmed spots will be allocated to the next eligible athlete in the rankings. This process ensures that a final, comprehensive list of qualified athletes is established by 30th April 2025.
All qualified and confirmed athletes can be found on the listing on the World Games website here: World Games 2025 Qualifications. However, if any of those qualified athletes drop out due to injury, the spot will be reallocated to the next athlete in line according to the IFMA Global Rankings. Upon confirmation, the list on the World Games website will be updated accordingly.
A Fair and Competitive Pathway
IFMA’s enhanced ranking system is a testament to the federation’s commitment to fostering fair play, inclusivity, and merit-based qualification. By recognising performance at various event levels and rewarding consistency, this system ensures that only the most deserving athletes secure their place at the 2025 World Games in Chengdu.