The Afghanistan National Olympic Committee has paid tribute to three muay thai athletes who claimed bronze medals at recent international tournaments in Russia ©Afghanistan NOC

The Afghanistan National Olympic Committee (NOC) has paid tribute to three muay thai athletes who claimed bronze medals at recent international tournaments in Russia.

Mahmoud Hanif, acting head of the Afghanistan NOC, congratulated Sayed Rohullah Musawi, Shuja Jamal and Suhrab Salahshour on their achievements.

He also praised their coaches and the muay thai referees from Afghanistan.

The International Federation of Muaythai (IFMA) was provisionally recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) last week.

Muay thai was provisionally recognised by the International Olympic Committee last week ©IFMA
Muay thai was provisionally recognised by the International Olympic Committee last week ©IFMA

The body was accepted, along with the International Cheer Union, following a discussion at the IOC Executive Board meeting in Lausanne.

It will now be eligible for IOC development funding and will become members of the Association of IOC Recognised International Federations (ARISF).

The IFMA will also receive $25,000 (£20,000/€23,000) in IOC development funding.

It could also benefit from additional amounts to spend on anti-doping and other projects.