IOC Grants Kickboxing, Muay Thai, and Sambo Full Olympic Recognition
A month ago we reported that kickboxing, Muay Thai and sambo were up to receive consideration for full recognition by the IOC. At the 138th IOC session, the three received full recognition by the committee. While this doesn’t guarantee they will become a part of the next Olympic cycle, but it’s a step in the direction of inclusion.
The federations behind the three sports will likely not make the 2024 deadline. A more realistic goal would be 2028 in Los Angeles.
The three sports were joined by lacrosse, cheerleading, and ice stock as federations to receive IOC recognition. Recognition by the IOC means that the federations have met the Olympic Charter requirements including a specified number of events, global support, WADA compliant testing and more.
Again, the sports aren’t added to the Olympic schedule just yet. Recognition just puts the Olympic stamp of approval on the International Federations of the sports.
Right at Home: The IOC Decision
The IOC adding these sports to their umbrella is just a step in the right direction. But with the mission to expand the audience of the Olympic Games, more and more sports are becoming included in the Olympic schedule.
For the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, skateboarding, karate and climbing were among those sports that were added.
The Olympics already have five combat sports: boxing, judo, taekwondo, wrestling and karate. Adding more would grow the sports and pave the way for more combat sports to be added.
Not mentioned, despite massive public calling for it, was mixed martial arts. The IMMAF continue to work to having the sport finally included in The Games. But, MMA will have to wait until the next IOC session to be considered again.
Stay posted to My MMA News for all the latest surrounding the Olympics and new combat sports added to the Games. Thanks for reading!
