Tributes have been paid to Dr Sakchye Tapsuwan, who has stood down as IFMA President after 18 years ©IFMA

Tributes have been paid to Dr Sakchye Tapsuwan, who has stood down as the President of the International Federation of Muaythai (IFMA) after 18 years.

Dr Tapsuwan stepped down at the organisation’s General Assembly, held alongside its World Championships in Bangkok in Thailand in a hybrid format.

Dr Tapsuwan became known as the "Father of the Nak Muay" during his tenure and used his farewell speech to thank everyone "for the journey, for the friendship, for the memories and for standing in solidarity towards unified goals."

He received a standing ovation during the General Assembly and was elected as an Honorary President of the IFMA.

 The IFMA said they thanked Dr Tapsuwan for his years of service and would "continue to rely on his knowledge and expertise towards the future."

The General Assembly also saw Charissa Tynan elected as the organisation’s new director general, in a move that will see her take over the majority of responsibilities from secretary general Stephan Fox.

This will enable Fox to focus more on his other roles as vice-president of the Global Association of International Sports Federations, President of the Alliance of Independent Recognized Members of Sport and President of United Through Sports.