SHILLONG, September 10: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has accepted the chairmanship of the United Muay Thai Association of India (UMAI), a move aimed at strengthening efforts to promote and develop Muay Thai in the country.
The development was announced by the Commissioner and Secretary of the Chief Minister’s Secretariat on September 9.
UMAI is the national governing body for Muay Thai in India and has been recognised by the International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA) since 2019. IFMA is recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Welcoming Sangma’s appointment, UMAI General Secretary Dr ShriRam Choudhary said his leadership and vision would help expand the reach and popularity of the sport across India.
Meghalaya has emerged as one of the prominent centres for Muay Thai in the country, with athletes from the state winning more than 50 medals at national and international competitions.
Sangma had recently felicitated Muay Thai athletes from Meghalaya during the sports edition of CM Connect: Achievers of the Month, recognising their performances at various competitions.
The development came as Meghalaya prepares to host the 39th National Games in 2027, with Muay Thai proposed as one of the disciplines.
If included, the sport would provide athletes from across the country with a national-level competitive platform while helping increase its popularity among young people. It would also support Meghalaya’s efforts to promote a wider range of sporting disciplines and create opportunities for emerging athletes.
