Muaythai School World Championships Mark a New Milestone in ISF’s Development
Aug. 11, Lausanne, Switzerland – As part of its continued efforts to expand opportunities for young people through sport and education, ISF highlights the successful organisation of the Muaythai School World Championships, held in Kuala Lumpur earlier this year, as one of the important milestones of the 2026 season.
Held in cooperation with the International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA), the championship brought together nearly 1,500 school athletes from all five continents for a landmark programme combining competition, education, culture, and international exchange. The event marked the first Muaythai World Championship organised within the ISF history and served as an important pilot for the future development of Muaythai in international school sport.
Building on IFMA's established international competition framework and expertise in the development of Muaythai, the championship provided school athletes with an international platform to compete while introducing them to the values, traditions, and educational opportunities associated with the sport.
The championship was attended by ISF President Željko Tanasković, ISF Vice President Antonio Hora Filho, Secretary General Hasnae El Ayoubi, and representatives from the stakehlders, highlighting the importance of this cooperation in creating new opportunities for student-athletes.
Beyond competition, education remained a central element of the programme. Through ISF Academy, participants took part in workshops focused on key areas of athlete development, including anti-doping, safeguarding, and mental health. The workshops were delivered by specialists certified by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), providing young athletes with knowledge and practical tools to support their wellbeing both in sport and in daily life.
The championship also highlighted the wider role of school sport in promoting cultural understanding and personal development. Through sporting activities, educational sessions, and international interaction, young participants had the opportunity to develop not only as athletes, but also as members of a global youth community.
Following the successful conclusion of the first Muaythai School World Championships, ISF and IFMA are actively working together on the next steps of their cooperation. Discussions are already underway with potential host cities for future editions, with the shared ambition of continuing to develop international Muaythai opportunities for young athletes within the school sport movement.
