However, the recognition of sport is in jeopardy due to controversy over a name change. The National Olympic Committee of Thailand (NOCT) states the name change took place from muaythai to muay due to protest from Laos and Cambodia. Muaythai has been accepted as a worldwide sport and that recognition has been earned in the name of muaythai, not muay. This change was made without consideration for the people of Thailand and Thai heritage.
Muaythai is the national sport of Thailand and is globally recognized with a rich history. It is currently practiced in over 150 countries spanning 5 continents. Leading the way for the Olympic movement is the Executive Board of the WMC and IFMA which is comprised of representatives from 122 member countries. The efforts of these organizations have gained strong momentum in the Olympic Movement as muaythai has been included in many globally recognized games under IOC patronage such as: TAIFISA Sport for All Games, ARAFURA Games and the 2010 World Games.
When Muaythai was included in GAISF, His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince of Thailand gave private audience to members of GAISF and many esteemed muaythai leaders from WMC and IFMA, congratulating and thanking them for protecting and further developing the sport for the country of Thailand. He also has asked the groups to work hard to take Muaythai to the Olympic Games. His Royal Highness stated that through muaythai the world has learned about the history and culture of Thailand and that the sport of muaythai – this should bring pride to the country.
Representatives from over 122 countries are coming to Thailand February 12-13 to dispute the name change from muaythai to muay and help Thailand claim the namesake which is rightfully theirs. The Private Councilor of the H.M the King, General Pitchitr Kullavanijaya and many other high ranking officials are upset about this proposed name change. Once again, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has granted an audience to Representatives of the World Muaythai Council and IFMA.
The world muaythai community is hosting a press conference on 13 February at 2:00pm. Invited guests are His Excellency General Pitchitr Kullanijaya, Dr. Nat Intrapana (IOC member for Thailand), representatives of the Thai government and the Olympic Committee of Thailand. In an effort to resolve disputes, the World Muaythai Council personally invited officials from the National Olympic Committee of Thailand (NOCT) to attend their annual Executive Board meeting scheduled for February 12-13, 2009.
Key discussion points at the meeting to be helpd over the next 2 days:
How could the Olympic Committee of Thailand not fight for muaythai and give in to a proposed name change by Laos and Cambodia?
How could the Asian Martial Arts Games scheduled to be held in Thailand under the organization of the National Olympic Committee of Thailand, support calling the sport muay?
How come the Thailand Amateur Muaythai Association is supporting a newly established muay federation with the support of the Olympic Committee of Thailand when there is already an organisation that has achieved credibility under the name muaythai?
How come the Olympic Committee of Thailand has let this newly established Asian Muay Federation (AMF) hold a meeting inside their offices?
How come the president of the Thailand Amateur Muay, Santiparp Intarapharn is becoming President of the Asian Muay Federation?
Leaders of the muaythai community vow to fight for that name muaythai in defense of Thailand and the sport that is revered by many. They intend to defend and protect the sport which has been passed down from generation to generation for over 1,000 years.
Promises will be made to His Majesty, the King, to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and to all Thai people who love their country and are proud of the history in the interest of taking muaythai to the Olympics under its proper name. Representatives are asking the whole Kingdom to join them in the campaign to proudly say, “One World-One Muaythai”.
Comments
Your so right hong kong, im gonna stick at it and ill get better..
Glad your enjoying the blogs, as much as i enjoy doing them
M.
By Mark1 on 12 Feb 2009
An interesting read, and so controversial, dont these people realise that its not just a name, its a national identity that has grown in Thailand and spread worldwide.
Unfortunatly the world is full of people and groups who decide that their way or view is the right one, so they pursue it without hesitation or thought of any implications for those it affects.
As hong kong phooey says Muay Thai is only starting to become more widely recognised outside the actual fighters circle with many sattelite channels starting to broadcast such events..
Leave it alone, your trying to mess around with the thai tiger and all it stands for..
Whtats your thoughts on this?
M.
By Mark1 on 12 Feb 2009