On behalf of myself and the New Board of IMMAF, we would like to thank all staff, officials, volunteers, Presidents, nations and of course all participants of the 2019 World Championships in Bahrain.
Congratulations to all of our coaches and athletes on their outstanding performances. It was an amazing tournament with some phenomenal men and women showcasing elite talent.
The performance in all areas of this year’s championships has been out of this world, providing everything you would want from MMA as an Olympic Sport. The hairs on the back of my neck have stood up so many times and I have felt the passion throughout the week.
With 436 Athletes and 50 national teams and over 380 bouts this was a history-making, bar-raising event for amateur MMA. Future stars have a platform and have arrived in style, the sport is here to stay and the next generation have showed again that they have a voice and the Olympic dream is real.
What has stood out to me during this World Championships is the attitude, commitment, spirit and behaviour of all athletes, coaches and teams who have championed respect, patience honour and integrity throughout, which I am deeply proud of and grateful for.
I would like to thank His Highness, Sheikh Nasser Bin Hamad al Khalifa who is a representative for His Majesty the King for charity work and youth affairs, for his endorsement. I also thank His Highness, Sheikh Khalid Bin Hamad al Khalifa as the driving force behind MMA within Bahrain as founder of KHK MMA. This dedication and commitment has been instrumental in the growth, development, regulation and recognition of sport of MMA in the Kingdom of Bahrain and truly inspirational to MMA in the Middle East.
Thanks also to Shaikh Salman bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, President of the Bahrain Combat Sports Council, and to Shahid Mohammed, president of BRAVE, for his support and vision of IMMAF and the Combat Week.
Bahrain has been a tremendous host to us once again as the host federation: BMMAF President Mohammed Qamber has provided invaluable support of IMMAF’s vision and contribution to its delivery. His loyalty and commitment is greatly appreciated and without the hard work and determination of himself and his team, the event would not have run so smoothly.
Between the IMMAF team and BMMAF, it was through all of your efforts that we as a team delivered another successful event. Congratulations to all for a job well done.
Great thanks is also due to our amazing sponsors who enable us to continue to develop this amazing platform.
Once again, many thanks on behalf of all of at IMMAF. Together we stand! Keep it real 2028
