Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has officially taken charge as the Chairman of the United Muay Thai Association of India (UMAI). This key administrative development is set to provide significant momentum to the promotion, structured governance, and nationwide expansion of the martial arts discipline across India.
National Governing Body and International Recognition
As the premier national organization overseeing Muay Thai in India, UMAI bears the responsibility for administering championship events, training standards, and grassroots development. The association secured official recognition from the International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA) in 2019. IFMA itself holds full institutional recognition from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as well as the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), ensuring that Indian practitioners operate within an officially sanctioned global sporting framework.
Leadership Vision and Announcement
The appointment followed a high-level meeting between Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, UMAI General Secretary Dr ShriRam Choudhary, and key representatives of the national association. Speaking on behalf of the governing body, Dr ShriRam Choudhary emphasized that Sangma’s administrative leadership and long-term vision would deliver a transformative boost to the growth of combat sports in the country. Acknowledging the honor, Sangma shared a post on X on September 9, 2026, noting that the discussion focused on tapping into the extensive athletic potential Muay Thai holds for Indian youth.
Meghalaya as a Combat Sports Hub and National Games 2027
Meghalaya has gradually established itself as one of the leading centers for Muay Thai in India. Combat athletes representing the northeastern state have delivered outstanding performances on competitive platforms, securing over 50 medals in national and international sporting events. Recognizing their success, Sangma recently felicitated high-performing Muay Thai fighters during the Sports Edition of the Chief Minister’s Connect programme, themed ‘Achievers of the Month’.
In addition to celebrating individual athletic achievements, the state leadership highlighted a strategic proposal to include Muay Thai as an official discipline in the 39th National Games, which Meghalaya is slated to host in 2027. Incorporating the martial art into the prestigious multi-sport event would grant athletes from every state an opportunity to compete at the highest domestic level. Beyond expanding youth participation, the move is designed to solidify Meghalaya’s growing reputation as a national destination capable of hosting major multi-sport competitions while nurturing emerging athletic disciplines.
