The 25-year-old attended IMMAF’s Youth World Championships in Abu Dhabi as part of the Safeguarding staff and will now Lead on IMMAF’s approach to safeguarding for future events.
A graduate from Uppsala Universitet with a Master of Law, Shamkhalov has fantastic pedigree which will allow him to thrive in this new position. His roles as a Youth Correction Officer at the governmental agency Statens Institutionsstyrelse, and as a MMA promoter in the FRC, are testament to his skillset.
Shamkhalov is also a former IMMAF athlete, winning two IMMAF European bronze medals and a World Cup Bronze medal representing The Swedish National Team.
“I’m excited about this opportunity,” said Shamkhalov.
“With my background, I work in Youth correctional facility in Sweden for a government institution, in a serious department with kids who have severe phycological issues and behavioural issues. It’s a very challenging environment and it has taught me so much about how the welfare of the children is supposed to be maintained even in stressful and challenging environments. I’m going to take all of my knowledge and employ it here at IMMAF.
I’m also a former athlete so it all melts together very well and it feels like I’m in the place that I need to be.
I’m a strong believer in if we do everything right, scrutiny is something we should be able to handle. We should be able to explain and defend every single decision we make.”
Speaking on the safeguarding at the Youth World Championships, Daniyal said:
“At the Youth World Championships, I’ve been learning and observing.
In terms of everything working (Safeguarding at the Youth World Championships), it has been a success. In terms of it being standardised, it’s been 50/50 because there is so much more I want to improve and implement.
When it comes to the role of safeguarding it may be long term prevention, but incidents are going to occur. Our job is to think of the correct actions because of these incidents and this tournament I can say we have been doing it.”
Following Daniyal’s appointment, Compliance Officer and IMMAF Disciplinary Chair Jason Brown said:
“As the Compliance Officer at the IMMAF Youth World Championships, I have witnessed firsthand the critical importance of safeguarding in our sport.
Daniyal Shamkhalov’s role as the Safeguarding Lead Officer is not just a position; it is a cornerstone of our commitment to the safety and well-being of our young athletes.
His vigilance and dedication ensure that every participant competes in a secure environment, allowing the true spirit of MMA to shine.”
Sophie Mueller, IMMAF’s Safeguarding Liaison, added further praise by stating:
“Daniyal is a youth correctional officer at a Swedish government agency and his work entails safeguarding the rights of young people, especially troubled youth.
He has the tools to enforce policies, procedures, manage safeguarding risks and the mechanism in dealing with complains/ incidences regarding safeguarding. He is a Team Sweden veteran and adds additional value as a former IMMAF athlete.
During the IMMAF Youth World Championship, he has demonstrated his commitment to the IMMAF safeguarding program and to the safety and well-being of IMMAF athletes.
With his background and safeguarding experience, he is a valuable asset to the IMMAF Safeguarding Team as the Safeguarding Lead Officer.”
IMMAF CEO Densign White praised the arrival of Shamkhalov.
“We are delighted that Daniyal has accepted the lead safeguarding role. He comes with a wealth of relevant experience and is a former IMMAF athlete champion and a member of the IMMAF athletes’ commission.
He is the perfect person to help us to develop the appropriate policies and to drive forward the safeguarding mission.”
Everyone at IMMAF would like to welcome Daniyal back to the IMMAF family and wish him all the very best in his new role.
