Malaysia has opened a new stage for school Muaythai with the inauguration of the first IFMA Muaythai School World Championships, organised by the International Federation of Muaythai Associations -IFMA- in cooperation with the International School Sport Federation -ISF-. The event brings together 1,480 young athletes from five continents and marks another international milestone for a discipline that continues to expand its presence within educational sport and the Olympic Movement.
The championships include Muaythai combat, Wai Kru and Mai Muay, with participants from very young age groups and divisions ranging from U8 to U18. The scale of the event reflects the global growth of Muaythai and its ambition to build a sporting pathway that begins at grassroots level, continues through school sport and can later project athletes towards the international elite.
Kuala Lumpur, a sporting and symbolic stage
The competition is being held at Merdeka Square, in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, a place of particular historical value for the country, as it was where Malaysia declared its independence in 1957. Before the bouts began, the Royale Chulan Hotel hosted the official weigh-ins with more than 1,000 young athletes and their families, offering an early image of the international reach of an event that has turned the Malaysian capital into one of the world centres of youth Muaythai.
The opening ceremony also underlined the cultural dimension of the championships. A total of 82 Malaysian youngsters, representing the country’s districts and regions, took part wearing traditional national dress to showcase Malaysia’s diversity and heritage. The ceremony brought together representatives of IFMA, ISF and the Olympic Council of Malaysia, with the support of the Malaysian Government, in a staging built around sport, education, identity and cultural exchange.
School Muaythai, education and values
Antonio Hora, representing ISF, highlighted during the ceremony the importance of grassroots sport, education, friendship and cultural exchange. One of the most symbolic moments came with the Athletes’ Oath, delivered by Ariadni Maria Andrei, from Greece, representing the ancient Olympic tradition; Supavej Kaewrat, from Thailand, the birthplace of Muaythai; and Mia Ghazali, from Malaysia, the host nation.
The Officials’ Oath was delivered by Cy Diong, from Malaysia, while the Coaches’ Oath was led by Korab Sinani, from Kosovo, in a ceremony that drew ovations from athletes, coaches, officials and spectators. The scene strengthened the educational character of the championships, with young athletes competing, sharing the event and representing their countries in an international setting.
Wai Kru, Mai Muay and more than 1,000 bouts
Over the four days of competition, more than 1,000 bouts are scheduled across four rings and a tatami area. In addition, more than 500 young participants will compete in the cultural disciplines of Wai Kru and Mai Muay, two essential elements in preserving the tradition, values and artistic dimension of Muaythai. The collective performance of the anthem “We Are Muaythai” reinforced that image of unity around a discipline that combines competition, respect and cultural heritage.
The first IFMA Muaythai School World Championships gives Muaythai a new space within international school sport and strengthens its path within the Olympic Movement. With the support of the Malaysian Muaythai Federation, ISF, volunteers, officials, coaches, families and local partners, the young athletes are competing in Malaysia with the hopes of their countries and with the values IFMA associates with the discipline: respect, excellence, tradition and unity.
Last related articles
