OLYMPIA, GREECE 6–16 NOVEMBER 2026
Young athletes. One world stage.
Your next chapter begins in Olympia.
I’m the mascot of the Panhellenic Muaythai Federation and your host for Olympia 2026. Let’s explore the Championships together!
Let’s explore together01 / THE CHAMPIONSHIPS
This November, the next generation of Muaythai comes together in Olympia.
The IFMA Youth World Championships bring young athletes, national teams, families and supporters from around the world to Greece, from 6–16 November 2026.
More than the pursuit of a medal: the pride of representing your country, respect for your opponent, and friendships that reach beyond the ring.
Official event listing (opens in a new tab)Discover the championship village, travel arrangements and the experience awaiting teams in Greece.
The original Executive Committee presentation, dated 9 September 2026.
Download PowerPoint (PPTX, 12 MB)
Use the arrows to explore the presentation. Download the original PowerPoint to view all details.
Founded in 1993 by 15 pioneering national federations, the International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA) embarked on a bold mission: to preserve the traditions of muaythai while elevating it to the highest level of international sport.
At the time, muaythai had no global recognition and was absent from major multi-sport events. IFMA established modern governance while safeguarding the sport's rich cultural heritage, including the Wai Kru, Pi Muay, and Mongkol, creating a safe, respected, and unified international sport.
The journey quickly gained momentum. Muaythai debuted at the Southeast Asian Games in 1995 and the Asian Games in 1998. By 2001, IFMA had expanded to all five continents and officially adopted the single-word spelling "Muaythai," reinforcing its inseparable connection to its birthplace—the Kingdom of Thailand.
A defining milestone came in 2006 when, after two unsuccessful attempts, IFMA earned recognition by the General Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF), marking Muaythai's acceptance as a fully recognised international sport. This achievement received the support and encouragement of His Majesty King Rama X, who praised IFMA's efforts to protect the integrity of Thailand's national martial art while encouraging its continued journey toward Olympic recognition.
The following years brought remarkable progress. IFMA gained recognition from the Olympic Council of Asia, FISU, and an increasing number of National Olympic Committees and Sport Ministries worldwide. Muaythai became part of prestigious multi-sport events, including the World Combat Games and The World Games, while IFMA's Youth World Championships grew into the world's premier youth martial arts event, inspiring thousands of young athletes from over 100 nations each year.
Committed to excellence beyond competition, IFMA has championed athlete safety, clean sport, and social responsibility. Since 2012, it has served as the only World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)-recognised anti-doping organisation for Muaythai. Through initiatives promoting peace, education, inclusion, and gender equality, IFMA has demonstrated the power of sport to create positive global change, earning the prestigious Spirit of Sport Award in 2016.
The greatest milestone came in 2021 when the International Olympic Committee granted Muaythai and IFMA full IOC recognition, fulfilling a vision that began nearly three decades earlier.
Today, IFMA unites 148 National Federations recognised by their highest sporting authorities and National Olympic Committees. More than a governing body, IFMA has become a global movement—honouring the traditions of the Kingdom of Thailand while inspiring millions through excellence, unity, respect, and cultural pride.
In 2026, IFMA reached two more historic milestones. The first Military Challenge Competition was successfully organised under the patronage of the International Military Sports Council (CISM) in Bangkok, further strengthening Muaythai's presence within the international military sports community. In the same year, IFMA, in partnership with the International School Sport Federation (ISF) and the Persatuan Muaythai Malaysia (PMM), successfully launched the inaugural Schools Muaythai Championship, expanding opportunities for the next generation of athletes through school sport.
These achievements reflect IFMA's strategic vision and strong global partnerships. Under dedicated leadership, IFMA continues to build bridges across the international sporting community, advancing Muaythai's development while strengthening its position as one of the world's most respected martial arts and recognised sports.
02 / THE PROGRAMME
Competition, education and shared celebrations. Explore the live programme below for session dates, times and updates. All times shown on this page are local to Greece.
Open full schedule (opens in a new tab)The championship at a glance. Consult the live programme below for full session details.
08:00–22:00
Accreditation details15:00 · Competition follows
Competition sessionsAll day
Departure arrangementsCan’t see the schedule? Open it directly in Google Sheets (opens in a new tab).
MUAYTHAI AWARDS
Olympian Village Hall
All participants are invited to this red-carpet celebration of sport, with awards recognising outstanding individuals, federations and initiatives.
Dress code Black tie / cocktail dress
For the full evening programme, see the live schedule.
Greece, the birthplace of the Olympic Games and one of the world's oldest civilizations, offers a unique combination of ancient heritage, breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and renowned hospitality. From its iconic archaeological sites and picturesque islands to its celebrated cuisine and Mediterranean lifestyle, Greece welcomes visitors with the spirit of philoxenia—the timeless Greek tradition of warm hospitality and generosity towards guests.
Situated at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, Greece has influenced the course of history for thousands of years. Today, as a parliamentary republic and a proud member of the European Union, the country successfully combines its rich cultural heritage with modern innovation and development.
Covering approximately 132,000 square kilometres, Greece is renowned for its remarkable geographical diversity. Majestic mountains, fertile valleys, crystal-clear seas, and more than 6,000 islands and islets—around 200 of them inhabited—create one of the most distinctive natural landscapes in the world. Its coastline, stretching over 13,000 kilometres along the Aegean, Ionian, and Mediterranean Seas, is among the longest in Europe.
Blessed with a Mediterranean climate, Greece enjoys long, sunny summers and mild winters, making it an ideal destination throughout the year. Its unique blend of history, natural beauty, and authentic hospitality attracts millions of visitors from across the globe every year.
With a population of over 10 million people, Greece is united by a strong cultural identity founded on history, education, democracy, and sport. The capital city, Athens, is a vibrant metropolis where world-famous ancient monuments coexist harmoniously with contemporary life, symbolising the nation's continuous connection between its remarkable past and dynamic future.
Sport holds a special place in Greek society. More than 2,700 years ago, the Ancient Olympic Games were born in Olympia, establishing values that continue to inspire the international sporting community: excellence, friendship, respect, fair play, and peaceful coexistence. These ideals remain deeply embedded in Greece's sporting philosophy and its commitment to youth development and international cooperation.
Hosting the 2026 IFMA Youth World Championships in Olympia carries profound symbolic significance. Welcoming the world's finest young Muaythai athletes to the birthplace of the Olympic Games creates a unique meeting point between the ancient Olympic spirit and the future of Muaythai. Beyond competition, the Championships celebrate friendship, cultural exchange, education, mutual respect, and peace, offering every athlete, official, and visitor an unforgettable experience in one of the most historic places on Earth.
The Panhellenic Muaythai Federation is honoured to welcome the global Muaythai family to Greece and looks forward to delivering a world-class championship that reflects the highest standards of IFMA while leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.
ANCIENT OLYMPIA & THE SURROUNDING AREA
From the ancient stadium to the Olympic Academy and the shores of Skafidia. Explore the setting for Olympia 2026 and the official event hotel.
Find Olympia on the map (opens in a new tab)
Nestled in the lush valley of the Peloponnese, Olympia is one of the world's most celebrated historical destinations and the birthplace of the Ancient Olympic Games. Surrounded by olive groves, rivers, and rolling hills, this sacred land has become a timeless symbol of peace, excellence, unity, and respect. These values continue to inspire sport and unite people across the globe.
For more than a thousand years, beginning in 776 BC, Olympia welcomed athletes from across the ancient Greek world to compete in honour of Zeus. During the Olympic Games, the sacred Olympic Truce, known as Ekecheiria, guaranteed safe passage for athletes and spectators, establishing one of history's earliest and most enduring traditions of sport as a vehicle for peace, friendship, and mutual understanding.
Today, the Archaeological Site of Olympia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands among Greece's most treasured cultural landmarks. Visitors can explore the ancient stadium where Olympic champions once competed, the Temple of Zeus, the Temple of Hera, the Philippeion, the ancient Gymnasium, and the Palaestra, each preserving the remarkable legacy of the Olympic Movement.
Located in the regional unit of Elis in Western Greece, Olympia welcomes visitors from around the world with its extraordinary cultural heritage, authentic Greek hospitality, and peaceful natural surroundings. The nearby town of Ancient Olympia offers modern amenities while preserving its unique connection to one of humanity's greatest sporting traditions.
Olympia is far more than a destination. It is the spiritual home of the Olympic ideal. Here, where the Olympic Flame is still lit before every modern Olympic Games, young athletes from every continent will gather not only to compete, but also to build friendships, learn from one another, and carry forward the timeless values of sport for future generations.
04 / THE CHAMPIONSHIP VILLAGE
Aldemar Olympian Village Resort
Visit the hotel website (opens in a new tab)The Aldemar Olympian Village Resort has been selected as the Official Hotel of the 2026 IFMA Youth World Championships, offering athletes, officials, delegates, and accompanying guests a unique combination of comfort, hospitality, and world class facilities.
This award winning five star beachfront resort is located on the beautiful sandy beach of Skafidia, overlooking the crystal clear waters of the Ionian Sea, in the heart of Western Peloponnese. Set within approximately 60 acres (243,000 m²) of beautifully landscaped gardens, palm trees, olive groves, and open green spaces, the resort provides a peaceful and secure environment, ideal for an international sporting event.
The resort features 682 rooms, suites, apartments, and bungalows, together with 42 swimming pools and extensive leisure facilities designed to accommodate large international groups. Operating on an All Inclusive basis, the resort's main restaurant will serve generous daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffets, offering a wide selection of Greek and international cuisine to ensure a varied and enjoyable dining experience throughout the Championships.
One of the main objectives of the Organising Committee is to accommodate all participating teams, officials, and members of the IFMA Family within the same resort. Creating a single Championship Village will enhance communication, strengthen the spirit of friendship among nations, simplify logistics, and provide a safe and welcoming environment where athletes from around the world can live, dine, and interact together throughout the event.
The Organising Committee plans to host all competition sessions at the resort's Ilis Congress Center, allowing accommodation, competition, dining, and most official championship activities to take place within the same venue. This integrated concept will significantly reduce daily transportation, simplify event operations, and provide a seamless experience for all participants.
Beyond its exceptional accommodation and conference facilities, the resort's strategic location offers convenient access to the Archaeological Site of Ancient Olympia and all official cultural activities of the Championships. This allows participants to focus entirely on competition while enjoying the unique hospitality and natural beauty of the birthplace of the Olympic Games.
The Aldemar Olympian Village is more than the official hotel of the Championships. Throughout the event, it will become the heart of the World Championships, welcoming the global Muaythai family and bringing together athletes, officials, and guests from around the world in a unique celebration of sport, friendship, culture, and mutual respect.
Accreditation requires a minimum of nine nights at an official event hotel during the Championships. The package includes three daily meals and ATH–hotel transfers on 6, 7 and 16 November.
Athletes and support personnel participating exclusively in Para & Special divisions have an exemption from the minimum stay. Read the accommodation requirements.
Accredited participants have access to the PMF Training Area, equipped with a boxing ring, and the village gym. Participants staying at the resort also have complimentary use of the gymnasium, outdoor courts and indoor pool.
Breakfast and bar service hours are listed below. For the daily lunch and dinner timetable, see the live programme.
FIND YOUR WAY AROUND
05 / TRAVEL & TRANSFERS
Coordinate your accommodation and airport transfers before travelling.
ARRIVAL TRANSFERS
Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos” (ATH) is the main international gateway. The event presentation gives an estimated 3½–4-hour coach journey to Olympia.
Registered participants should enter their flight details in IFMALive. The official accommodation package includes ATH–hotel transfers on 6 and 7 November for arrivals and 16 November for departures. Airport liaison staff will help guide arrivals.
For arrivals on other dates or through another airport, including Patra, confirm transfer arrangements with the organising team before finalising your journey.
Registration access and team preparationDEPARTURE TRANSFERS
Accredited participants who provide their departure details by the deadline will receive a transfer from the official hotel to their designated airport in Athens or Patra on the official departure day.
LOCAL ACTIVITIES
Selected official activities outside the resort will require transport coordinated by the Local Organising Committee.
Explore the wider programmeNOVEMBER IN OLYMPIA
Seasonal guidance from the event handbook. Check the local forecast closer to your journey.
Early November offers mild and comfortable Mediterranean weather, making it an ideal period for sporting events and outdoor activities. During the 2026 IFMA Youth World Championships (6–16 November), daytime temperatures typically range between 18°C and 22°C, while mornings and evenings are cooler, with temperatures generally between 10°C and 13°C.
Visitors can expect pleasant weather with a combination of sunshine, light cloud cover, and the possibility of occasional short rain showers, which are characteristic of the Mediterranean autumn. Layered clothing is recommended, allowing athletes, officials, and visitors to remain comfortable throughout the day. A light jacket or sweater is advisable for the cooler mornings and evenings.
Overall, the climate during early November provides excellent conditions for competition, sightseeing, and enjoying the unique historical and natural beauty of Olympia. The pleasant weather allows participants to fully experience not only a world class sporting event but also the birthplace of the Olympic Games, creating a memorable and enjoyable stay for everyone.
06 / COMPETITION DISCIPLINES
Explore the ring and tatami age categories for Olympia 2026, alongside Muaythai’s cultural and inclusive disciplines. Male and female competition divisions are available.
| Division | Age in 2026 | Birth years | RingFull Contact | TatamiSemi Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U8 | 6–7 | 2019–2020 | Not offered | Available |
| U10 | 8–9 | 2017–2018 | Not offered | Available |
| U12 | 10–11 | 2015–2016 | Available | Available |
| U14 | 12–13 | 2013–2014 | Available | Available |
| U16 | 14–15 | 2011–2012 | Available | Available |
| U18 | 16–17 | 2009–2010 | Available | Available |
How age is calculated: IFMA uses the calendar-year system. Your division is determined by your year of birth, with 31 December 2026 as the age cutoff.
Each country may enter one national team through its IFMA Member National Federation.
If fewer than three athletes enter a division, IFMA may decide not to hold it. Divisions may be merged in accordance with IFMA rules, following consultation and agreement with the affected athletes and team managers.
The official event invitation lists cultural competition for athletes aged 8–17, in male and female divisions.
An athlete may enter one cultural division: either Wai Kru or Mai Muay. IFMA rules also limit each athlete to one combat or technical division.
The Championships welcome athletes in the following inclusive divisions:
Athletes and Athlete Support Personnel participating exclusively in Para & Special divisions are exempt from the nine-night minimum stay.
For participants attending only these divisions, the invitation recommends arrival on 11 November and departure on 15 November. Consult the live programme for rehearsal, competition and medal ceremony times. A full-event stay is also welcome.
For wheelchair-accessible rooms or other assistance, email info@pmf.gr as early as possible after registration.
Team managers should check the division rosters and report any errors to the Technical Delegate. A representative from each country must attend the Team Manager Meeting on 7 November, where the draw will be published.
For ring and tatami athletes, follow the scheduled weigh-in and medical checks on each day you compete. Bring the required athlete identification and medical documents.
View meetings, weigh-ins and competition sessions
Competition conduct and appeals follow the IFMA Rules & Regulations (opens in a new tab).
07 / TEAM PREPARATION
Your delegation checklist: registration, documents, education, uniforms and travel requirements.
Meetings, briefings & weigh-in timesSafeguarding supportNational federation administrators register their delegation through IFMALive (opens in a new tab). Every participant needs a valid IFMA membership on the platform; athletes also need a valid e-boxer book.
The published registration deadline was 15 October 2026. Contact the organising team about your existing registration or outstanding documents.
The accreditation desk is at Olympian Village L1. Only the team manager should attend the IFMA registration and accreditation counters to complete the delegation’s registration.
Have passport or photo ID documents ready for every delegation member. Event badges are prepared in advance and distributed at the accreditation centre. Teams may collect their uniforms after accreditation.
Report to the accreditation centre and complete the reinstatement form. A lost badge will be deactivated and a replacement issued.
The Medical Declaration contains discipline-specific instructions and exemptions. Confirm any applicable exemption with the event medical team before travelling.
Athletes, coaches and Athlete Support Personnel must complete the relevant WADA ADEL education before participating. The invitation specifies the following programmes:
Certificates are valid for two years. The delegation administrator should upload each participant’s valid certificate during registration.
For athletes younger than 11 and other support roles, confirm the appropriate education requirement with your national federation or IFMA.
Open WADA ADEL (opens in a new tab) · IFMA ADEL guidance (opens in a new tab)
Published deadlines from the official invitation. All dates below are in 2026.
31 October: initial weight-division change deadline.
3 November: final weight-division change deadline.
Send weight-division change requests to the Technical Delegate, shah@muaythai.sport, or the IFMA Competition Manager, mohamad.amr@muaythai.sport.
See the live programme for arrivals, meetings and competition sessions.
All athletes must obtain the official tournament uniform. Each set contains:
Uniform sizes are submitted through IFMALive. The published size-order deadline was 30 September; later changes and additions are subject to availability. Teams collect their uniforms after accreditation.
To receive accreditation, participants must stay at an official event hotel for at least nine nights during the official event period. Athletes must also obtain the official competition uniform.
The accommodation package includes three meals per day and transfers between Athens International Airport (ATH) and the hotel on 6, 7 and 16 November.
Athletes and support personnel participating exclusively in Para & Special divisions are exempt from the nine-night minimum. See Para & Special arrangements.
Enter your flight details in the registration platform. Confirm transfers on other dates or through another airport with the organising team before finalising travel.
Coaches requiring access to the Field of Play must hold at least an OSM Level 1 certificate. The OSM Level 1 course runs for four days.
Each delegation must register at least one team referee/judge for every six athletes. Para-S athletes are excluded from this calculation.
All technical officials working at the event must attend the relevant R&J course, regardless of their level:
Sessions take place at the official hotel. Consult the live programme for course dates, times and meeting locations.
The event’s medical insurance covers injuries directly sustained during official competition by athletes listed on the daily bout schedule, for the duration of their scheduled competition.
All participants, including athletes, coaches, officials and accompanying persons, must arrange their own travel and health insurance covering:
Participants are responsible for arrangements outside the event’s competition-insurance cover. For assistance during the Championships, see medical services and contacts.
Download the event invitation and use the official IFMA forms to prepare your delegation.
Event requirements are based on the official invitation. Check the live programme and organiser updates for any changes.
08 / CONTACTS & SUPPORT
Event enquiries, medical assistance and safeguarding support in one place.
Panhellenic Muaythai Federation
94–96 Argyroupoleos StreetPresident: John Papadopoulos
General Secretary: Dimitrios Botaitis
Official event hotel
MEDICAL SERVICES
A physician will be assigned to each ring during competition, supported by an on-site ambulance service. Athletes who need further assessment or care may be transferred to the designated hospital.
DESIGNATED HOSPITAL
Approximately 15 minutes from the resort.
SyntriadaHospital switchboard · Official contact page (opens in a new tab)
LOCAL LABORATORY
Approximately 20 minutes from the resort.
6 Manolopoulou StreetContact the laboratory to confirm arrangements. Your team should confirm which medical documents and tests apply to your athlete’s youth division with the organisers.
SAFEGUARDING
If you are concerned that a child or young person is at risk or experiencing abuse, contact the IFMA Safeguarding Officer immediately.
IFMA SAFEGUARDING OFFICER
Available 07:00–22:00
The IFMA is committed to supporting a safe and enjoyable environment throughout IFMA events and daily operation of the international federation, that safeguard welfare of athletes and IFMA family members from any kind of discrimination, harassment and abuse.
For IFMA safeguarding refers to all of the actions IFMA takes to keep all children and vulnerable at risk groups they come into contact with safe – and includes the proactive measures put in place to ensure they do not come to harm as a result of any direct or indirect contact with the federation. Child safeguarding encompasses the prevention of physical, verbal, sexual and emotional abuse, neglect and maltreatment of children by employees and other persons whom the federation is responsible for, including contractors, business partners, visitors to premises and volunteers. As abuse occurs in many different forms, IFMA has a zero-tolerance policy stating that no abuse or cause of harm towards children and vulnerable groups is tolerated in any form. IFMA states that all children have an equal right to protection regardless of any personal characteristic, including their age, gender, ability, culture, racial origin, religious belief and sexual identity. It is also important to note that certain forms of abuse disproportionately affect girls, and there is additional vulnerability and increased risk for children who have a physical or mental disability, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex or other identified young people, children from minority ethnic groups, displaced or refugee children, and those who are under institutional care.
Read IFMA’s safeguarding policy and codes (opens in a new tab)
“I’ll see you in Olympia!”OLYMPIOS
GREECE IS CALLING.
SEE YOU IN
OLYMPIA.
