The International Mixed Arts Federation is delighted to announce that Team Sweden veteran, Daniyal Shamkhalov, will attend the 2024 IMMAF Youth World Championships in Abu Dhabi, UAE, as a Safeguarding Officer appointed by the IMMAF Safeguarding Commission.
Daniyal, 25, is a member of the IMMAF Athletes Commission and retired from competition in 2022. He remains deeply involved with the sport as he continues to train and support areas of MMA development, bringing a diverse resume of skills and experience. He is a two-time IMMAF European bronze medalist and World Cup bronze medalist who represented the Swedish national team from 2019 to 2022.
Born in Dagestan, Daniyal has spent much of his life in Sweden and achieved academic success in earning the title of LL.M (Master of Law). He now practices law professionally, specialising in business law.
He stated, “I am sincerely excited and curious about this opportunity – stepping into IMMAF as an official, helping organise the MMA-competitions that brought me so many friends and memories over the years.
“Having been in the MMA game for a long time; as an athlete, as a fan and as an official, has granted me experience and insight into the ever-growing sport of MMA. With my background working in a youth correctional facility and organising the MMA promotion ”FCR”, I’ll be bringing all of the necessary know-how and experience of maintaining the safety and integrity of the youth athletes in capacity as a safeguarding officer. My multicultural background will be one of my most valuable assets, as it will allow me and IMMAF to bridge cultural and language barriers more effectively and thus strengthening the overall experience at IMMAF of both athletes and national federations.
Also in attendance at the Youth World Championships will be IMMAF Athletes Commission Chairman and former heavyweight world champion, Irman Smajic, who was announced last April as the newest member of the IMMAF board of directors alongside fellow IMMAF veteran Amanda Ribas.
The 2024 IMMAF Youth World Championships take place from August 5–11 at the Mubadala Arena in Zayed Sports City and will be shown live on immaf.tv with over 750 of the world’s leading youth MMA talents set to represent their country.
