YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 28, ARMENPRESS. The Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport Karen Giloyan held a meeting with Rishat Sayapov, the President of the International Kickboxing Federation.

The President of the Armenian Kickboxing Federation Garnik Hayrapetyan was also present at the meeting.

The issue of hosting the 2024 World Kickboxing Championship in Armenia was discussed.

Armenia submitted a bid on hosting the event and the decision will be made during the upcoming world federation congress in Moscow. Before that, Sayapov is visiting Armenia to inspect the infrastructures.

“I’m happy to see that kickboxing developed a lot in Armenia. Big work is being done in direction of raising the qualification of athletes, building sport schools and improving children’s training. I am sure that big victories are ahead,” Sayapov said.

Giloyan expressed hope that soon kickboxing will be included as an Olympic sport and then the discussions will be more substantial.

The International Olympic Committee has recognized the World Association of Kickboxing Organizations (WAKO) as the only representative of the sport in the IOC, which in turn is uniting national federations, such as the Armenian kickboxing federation.

IN 2023, the Armenian Kickboxing Federation will be included in the state funding program.