The International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA) the sole governing body recognised by the international Olympic committee proudly announced the presentation of its highest accolade, the Golden Mongkon, to International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach. The award was announced during the 2025 IFMA Senior World Championships held in Türkiye, in recognition of President Bach’s exceptional contributions to the global sporting community and his steadfast support of Muaythai.
As the only governing body for Muaythai recognized by the IOC, IFMA has made significant strides in its integration into the Olympic movement. The journey began in 2013, the same year President Bach was elected as the ninth President of the IOC. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of a transformative era for the Muaythai community worldwide. IFMA worked with dedication under the Olympic values to meet the criteria grounded upon the Olympic charter. It was not an easy nor simple path, leading the federation to adjust, develop and implement vital principles. After years of united effort across all national federations and all departments of the international federation, IFMA received provisional IOC recognition at the 129th IOC Session in Rio de Janeiro in 2016. This groundbreaking step gave IFMA the hope that recognition was possible. History was made for IFMA when full recognition was granted during the 138th IOC Session in Tokyo in 2021.
Under President Bach’s leadership, the Olympic movement has evolved to embrace greater inclusivity and unity, exemplified by the historic update to the Olympic motto: “Faster, Higher, Stronger—Together.”
Throughout his presidency, Thomas Bach has been a consistent and vocal supporter of Muaythai’s values and development. A particularly memorable display of support occurred during the 2016 Asian Beach Games in Danang, Vietnam, where President Bach attended the Muaythai competitions, highlighting his personal appreciation for the sport’s deep cultural roots and competitive integrity.
In recognition of his visionary leadership and longstanding dedication to sport, IFMA has awarded President Bach the Golden Mongkon, a symbol of excellence, respect, unity, and leadership within the Muaythai tradition. The global Muaythai community welcomed this honor with unanimous appreciation, acknowledging President Bach not only as a champion of Olympic ideals, but also as an honorary member of the IFMA family
This prestigious award follows the presentation of the IFMA Jubilee Medal to President Bach in 2023, commemorating the federation’s 30th anniversary and celebrating the enduring partnership between IFMA and the Olympic movement.
On behalf of the entire IFMA World Family, we extend our sincere gratitude and profound respect to President Thomas Bach for his remarkable service to sport and for his unwavering support of Muaythai. IFMA continues to honour the recognition bestowed by the IOC and upholds their duty towards the Olympic charter and values each and every day.
Our deepest gratitude to IOC President Bach.