Official and Institutional Introduction
Iran Martial Arts Associations Federation (IRIMAAF)
National Federation (NF) – Recognized by the Ministry of Sport and Youth of the Islamic Republic of Iran
The Iran Martial Arts Associations Federation (IRIMAAF) stands as one of the most structured, expansive, and authoritative governing bodies in the field of sport within the Islamic Republic of Iran. Established in 1990 (1369 SH) under the official mandate of the Ministry of Sport and Youth, IRIMAAF has evolved over three decades into a nationally mandated and internationally respected organization, serving as the sole National Federation (NF) responsible for overseeing, regulating, and supporting a wide spectrum of combat sports and martial arts disciplines throughout the country.
As the highest legal authority in the field of martial arts within the national sports governance system, IRIMAAF is vested with full jurisdiction and responsibility over the recognition, supervision, technical regulation, legal licensing, financial support, and international coordination of numerous official associations, committees, and recognized styles operating under its umbrella. Its strategic role has positioned it as a central pillar of martial arts development in Iran, linking grassroots capacity with elite international performance.

National Mandate and Legal Authority
In accordance with its official statute and regulatory framework, IRIMAAF is recognized by the Islamic Republic of Iran as the sole legitimate entity empowered to govern all officially approved martial arts organizations in the country. No martial arts discipline, association, or style may legally operate nationally without formal affiliation and authorization through this Federation.
Acting as an executive arm of the Ministry of Sport and Youth in martial arts affairs, IRIMAAF is tasked with:
• Developing national strategies and operational plans;
• Supervising and evaluating the technical and administrative performance of associations;
• Issuing legal licenses and sanctions for national activities;
• Supporting affiliated bodies with administrative, financial, legal, and international matters;
• Serving as the principal representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran in all international martial arts engagements.

Democratic Governance and Transparent Elections
One of IRIMAAF’s most distinguished attributes is its democratic structure and electoral legitimacy. Every four years, in accordance with its constitution, the Federation convenes an official General Assembly, comprising representatives from national associations, provincial branches, technical boards, and eligible statutory members. The General Assembly elects the President and members of the Executive Board through a formal electoral process, under the supervision of the National Olympic Committee of the Islamic Republic of Iran, ensuring transparency, legitimacy, and democratic governance.
In the most recent election, held under the full supervision of government and Olympic authorities, Dr. Afshin Hadichegini, PhD in Physical Education and Sport Sciences and a senior university professor, was elected by an overwhelming majority of votes from the General Assembly as the President of IRIMAAF for a new four-year term.

Nationwide Structure and Provincial Network
IRIMAAF operates one of the most comprehensive and deeply rooted national sport networks in the Islamic Republic of Iran, with 32 fully functioning provincial branches spanning all regions of the country. These branches serve as the operational arms of the Federation, managing regional development, athlete registration, coaching education, technical programs, grassroots outreach, and talent identification.
The Federation directly supports hundreds of technical directors, national coaches, licensed referees, association presidents, and championship-level athletes through this nationwide infrastructure—ensuring continuous development from community-level participation to elite international competition.

International Status and Global Engagement
IRIMAAF is the exclusive national umbrella body for combat sports and martial arts styles whose international governing bodies (IFs) have granted recognition or representation in the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran. As such, the Federation facilitates, regulates, and supports the legal presence and operational continuity of internationally sanctioned disciplines.
Athletes and associations affiliated with IRIMAAF routinely participate in major international championships and multisport events held under the authority of global sport institutions such as:
• World and Continental Championships
• Events recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), and GAISF (SportAccord), including:
• World Combat Games
• Asian Games
• Asian Indoor & Martial Arts Games (AIMAG)
• World Beach Games
• World Military Games
• Universiade (World University Games)
• International School Games
• Mind Games
• Urban Games
• Youth Olympic Games
• West Asian Games
• Central Asian Games
• and various other recognized events and platforms
IRIMAAF has played a vital role in strengthening Iran’s sport diplomacy, and multiple Iranian officials affiliated with this Federation now hold active seats or commissions within international martial arts organizations.

Executive Structure and Specialized Committees
To ensure operational excellence, transparency, and professionalism, IRIMAAF functions through the following formal structure:
• President (elected by the General Assembly)
• Secretary General (Full-time executive manager)
• Two Vice Presidents
• Executive Board (elected body)
• Central Technical Committee
• Specialized Commissions for:
• Education and Coaching
• Refereeing and Technical Standards
• Anti-Doping and Medical Affairs
• Women’s Martial Arts Development
• Media and Public Relations
• Legal and Disciplinary Affairs
• Competiton Committee
• International Relations and Foreign Affairs
• 32 Provincial Branches
This comprehensive framework enables IRIMAAF to function as an efficient, legally accountable, and internationally compliant governing institution, committed to advancing national sports objectives in alignment with international standards.

Legal Disclaimer and Institutional Recognition
The Iran Martial Arts Associations Federation (IRIMAAF) is officially registered and operates under the authority of the Ministry of Sport and Youth of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and its organizational structure, electoral process, and affiliated associations are in full compliance with national sports law and the standards set forth by the National Olympic Committee of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
IRIMAAF is the only legal and nationally recognized umbrella institution authorized to license, supervise, and represent martial arts disciplines within the Iranian territory at national and international levels. Any institution, group, or individual engaging in combat sports activities under the framework of recognized international federations must be affiliated with IRIMAAF to be eligible for participation in domestic or international competitions and development programs.
The Federation’s mission is not only to safeguard the heritage and ethical values of traditional and modern martial arts but also to promote international collaboration, peace, unity through sport, and Olympic ideals across all regions of the Islamic Republic of Iran and beyond.

International Partnership and Representation
IRIMAAF welcomes all forms of international cooperation with:
• Recognized International Federations (IFs)
• National Olympic Committees (NOCs)
• Governmental and Non-Governmental Sport Institutions
• Embassies and Cultural Exchanges
• Sport Diplomacy & Development Programs
• Global Martial Arts Events and Educational Platforms

To establish official relations, joint programs, or formal representation, please contact the Federation directly via:
iranmmaf@gmail.com