VA sees encouraging developments at the NVB

The Nederlandse Vechtsportbond, the Dutch combat sports federation, appears to be taking good steps in its development into a fully fledged sports federation. That is the conclusion drawn by the Combat Sports Authority after talks between the two organisations about recent developments.

This spring, the NVB's candidate status with NOC*NSF was extended. This was in line with the VA's advice. According to the VA and NOC*NSF, much still had to be done to become a fully fledged federation, particularly with regard to the organisational structure and representation. The NVB now appears to be setting the right steps in motion to be able to become a full member in November.

The boards and offices of the VA and the NVB recently sat down together to discuss recent developments at the federation. Under the leadership of the new federation chairman, work is under way on a restructuring of the NVB board. This will make the federation more representative. It means that the interests of all athletes, gyms and promoters can be properly represented. It will also contribute to support within the combat sports world.

From left to right: NVB chairman Saïd Laktami, VA office director Farid Gamei, NVB office director Raimond Honig, VA board member Jan Wirken, VA chairman Herbert Dekkers

The VA and the NVB once again underlined the existing agreements on the division of roles and clarified them together. This will contribute to the good working relationship between the organisations, which has received a positive impulse with the recent appointment of the new office director and the new NVB chairman.

The VA is confident that if the NVB continues on the course it has set, it will lay an important foundation for a strong and future-proof sports federation. That will then lead to recognition as a full member of NOC*NSF in the autumn. This will achieve the shared goal: one strong sports federation, a full member of NOC*NSF, that will take combat sports in the Netherlands into a new phase of development. From its own role and responsibility, the VA will continue to support the NVB where possible and think along to strengthen this development further.