In a significant development for international Muay Thai, Chinawut Sirisompan, in my capacity as the President of the World Muay Thai Organization (WMO), was invited to Cyprus to co-chair a prestigious amateur and semi-professional Ancient Muay Thai competition following WMO regulations.
During this landmark event, we approved the establishment of the European Muay Thai Organization (EMO), a new body designed to officially oversee and support Muay Thai activities across European nations. Mr. Kyriakos Christofi, President of the Cyprus Muay Thai Association, was elected to lead the EMO following a vote among representatives from nine participating European countries.
This new European branch marks an important step in the global expansion of organized Muay Thai, bringing structured governance and development opportunities to the European region. The competition showcased both amateur and semi-professional divisions, highlighting the growing international appeal of traditional Muay Thai.
The formation of the EMO under the WMO umbrella demonstrates our commitment to promoting and preserving authentic Muay Thai while adapting to meet the needs of different regions. This development promises to enhance the sport's presence and organization across Europe, creating new opportunities for athletes, coaches, and enthusiasts throughout the continent.