Shillong, Sept 09: In a significant development for the promotion of martial arts and sports in India, Shri Conrad K. Sangma, Chief Minister of Meghalaya, has accepted the role of Chairman of the United Muay Thai Association of India (UMAI).
The United Muay Thai Association of India (UMAI) is the national body dedicated to the promotion, development, and governance of Muay Thai in India. UMAI has achieved significant international milestones since being recognized in 2019 by the International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA), which is recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Expressing gratitude for the Chief Minister’s acceptance, Dr. ShriRam Choudhary, General Secretary, UMAI stated that the leadership and vision of Sh. Conrad K. Sangma will provide a major boost to the growth and popularization of Muay Thai, one of the world’s fastest-growing combat sports.
Muay Thai has witnessed increasing participation across India and has gained international recognition through its inclusion in major multi-sport events. Meghalaya has demonstrated notable proficiency in the sport, with athletes from Meghalaya securing 50+ medals at various national and international level tournaments, reflecting a solid talent base and increasing grassroots participation.
Recent achievers of Muay Thai were also felicitated today by the Chief Minister of Meghalaya, in the Sports Edition of CM Connect: Achievers of the Month. Muay Thai has also been proposed as one of the disciplines to be hosted during the 39th National Games, which Meghalaya is set to host in 2027.
The proposed hosting of Muay Thai in the National Games would provide a significant platform for athletes from across India to compete at the highest domestic level while further popularizing the sport among young people and would also strengthen Meghalaya’s reputation as a destination capable of organizing world-class sporting competitions and nurturing emerging sporting disciplines.
The sport is officially recognised by various eminent global sports bodies such as International Olympic Committee, Olympic Council of Asia, and was hosted in the World Games, 3rd Asian Youth Games and featured in 2024 Paris Olympics as a demo sport.
The appointment reflects Meghalaya’s growing stature as an emerging sporting destination and underscores the State Government’s commitment to promoting diverse sporting disciplines and creating greater opportunities for youth across the country.
