Muay Thai, under the administration of the International Federation of Muay Thai Associations (IFMA), made headlines once again when reality TV series Challenger Battleground won the 2024 Asian Television Award, which was held for the 28th time at the awards ceremony at Hoa Binh Theater in Ho Chi Minh City. Minh, Vietnam. Last Friday night, January 12th
The Asian Television Awards is an organization that awards the best television and entertainment programs in Asia. Being nominated for an award is an honor for all participants, producers, actors, etc. Receiving this award is a huge achievement in life. One of the programs that was honored to be nominated for the award is Challenger Battleground, which was awarded the Reality Show category in this award announcement, with Stefan Fuchs, Secretary General of the International Federation of Muay Thai Associations (IFMA), receiving the award. Honored this time, Challenger Battleground is considered a very successful Muay Thai television show. Not only have the producers founded Imagine TV Group, which has produced TV shows like Biggest Loser, Apartment and Inn, in 2007, they have also partnered with the International Federation of Muay Thai Associations (IFMA) and the World Muay Thai Council (WMC). ) to produce and receive award shows like Contender Muaythai and Challenger Muaythai Battlegrounds as well.
Dr. Sakchai Tapeswan, President of the International Federation of Muay Thai Associations (IFMA), revealed that IFMA has demonstrated Muay Thai excellence over the past 30 years, as the international federation works to promote and promote the true nature of Muay Thai. Under the name Muay Thai it has been officially approved by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and by the IFMA, to only promote Muay Thai that is truly Muay Thai. This does not include other types of fighting such as mixed martial arts (MMA) or international boxing, we only support Muay Thai. The national sport of Thailand that has been approved by the International Olympic Committee. She also participated in many international competitions. We have a large budget to support athletes. Winning the “Asian Television Awards 2024” in the TV and Film Industry marks another notable achievement by IFMA for Muay Thai as the national sport of Thailand. While we would like to thank the 152 Member States around the world who worked together, IFMA will have good news for Thailand soon as well. In the past, IFMA, Muay Thai Amateur Association, etc. Working closely with the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) by Dr. Kongsak Yodmani, Governor of SAT, as well as the National Sports Development Fund (NSDF) by Dr. Subrani Guptasa, Director of the NSDF. For their great support, both SAT and the Fund have helped drive the success of the Muay Thai industry towards the Olympic Games.
“Thank you to everyone who has believed in and supported this program for over 15 years since 2007 when Yodsanklai Fairtex was the first champion,” said Stefan Fuchs, a Challenger Battleground host and advisor. Not only did she get the belt, but she also received another 7 million baht in prize money, thanks to all the athletes who were dazzling in every aspect. No one sees how athletes put in all the discipline, training and effort to overcome many obstacles during difficult times. And when the time comes they will stand strong. These athletes show the true essence of Muay Thai with the motto “Respect All and Fear None” that always shows respect. But every moment we have to face all the challenges that life brings. Viewers see what Muay Thai really is. The tradition of honoring teachers is the understanding of Pi Muay or Pi Phat, the life of a boxer, living, eating, training and living together in the same house with the competitors. It shows that living with competitors and respecting each other is also possible. And this is the specialty that Muay Thai wants to bring to the Challenger Battleground program.
Riyaz Mehta, producer of Challenger Battleground, said he was very proud of his show. The show follows the dreams of Muay Thai boxers from all over the world as they begin their journey to become true champions. Through the cooperation between IFMA and WMC for over 15 years, the traditions and culture of Muay Thai are rigorously supported and promoted. Thank you everyone for your full cooperation. Including the Malaysian government, IFMA, producers, athletes, we work together as one team. And achieving dreams together In the past, a nomination was considered an achievement in the entertainment industry. But getting the award is the most important thing and will lead to bigger projects. Which we will certainly continue to do with all our partners. For Muay Thai IFMA and WMC, this is a great success for the world to be able to see the real Muay Thai through this programme. They don't just show the past. But it also gives a glimpse into the present and future and is important in the dream of pushing Muay Thai to compete in the Olympic Games.
“This is another important achievement for the motherland of Muay Thai, Thailand, because at this event the world realizes that Muay Thai is not only the oldest sport. But it is also one of the most exciting sports in the world. There is something inherent in every person,” Challenger Battleground producers said. “Culture, values, traditions and attractions that viewers have never seen before.”
Dato' Shah Azmi, President of the Muay Thai Association of Malaysia and Executive Director of IFMA said, “Thank you to the Malaysian government for its full support of this event. Since 2007, IFMA has used its important platform to promote Muay Thai as the most exciting combat sport.” They also stress the importance of respecting and honoring each other. And each other is the site The excitement and safety of the competition was transmitted to millions of viewers around the world. To enhance the value of Muay Thai as well as follow the Olympic path. Thanks again to the Malaysian government for its full support of this event. This is a proud moment for Malaysia as well as for Muay Thai. We were all so proud when Muay Thai and Challenger Battleground were nominated in the final round of the Emmy Awards at Emmys 2024. Now, winning at the Asian Television Awards is a true testament to Muay Thai. Muay Thai is a martial art that has been nominated for two Emmys and Asia TV Awards, and is a huge success for IFMA.
Jaynis Lin, a Muay Thai boxer from Canada, said complete gender equality at the event is a big boost for women's Muay Thai. Because there are both male and female athletes equally in the program and the female boxers have shown that they are exciting athletes. An expert and extremely determined optimist, not unlike male athletes. This confirms IFMA's vision towards gender equality. It is also a great promotion of women's Muay Thai around the world. Being nominated alongside shows like Survivor and MasterChef is a huge honor for Muay Thai. Because it is software, every item is a popular software. There are franchises worth millions of dollars. Winning this award is a challenge.
IFMA Director General Charissa Tynan said she started working with IFMA in 2006. This was the first project she had undertaken at that time. She oversaw both Thailand and the brand, and the following years saw IFMA's continued success year after year, from IOC accreditation to Emmy nominations and European inclusion, with Yon Games now also taking home Asian Television Awards. This demonstrates IFMA's stability and committed cooperation.
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