Guwahati: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has accepted the chairmanship of the United Muay Thai Association of India (UMAI), with the move expected to give a fresh push to the promotion and development of Muay Thai across the country.
The appointment 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 could help broaden the sport’s presence and increase its popularity across India.
Meghalaya has established itself as a key centre for Muay Thai, with athletes from the state securing more than 50 medals at national and international-level competitions.
Sangma had recently felicitated the state’s Muay Thai athletes during the sports edition of CM Connect: Achievers of the Month, acknowledging their performances in various competitions.
His appointment comes at a significant time as Meghalaya gears up to host the 39th National Games in 2027. Muay Thai has been proposed for inclusion among the disciplines at the Games.
If included, the sport could provide Muay Thai practitioners from across India with a major national competitive platform while helping expand its appeal among young athletes. The inclusion would also support Meghalaya’s broader efforts to diversify sporting opportunities and encourage emerging talent in the state and beyond.