Astana will host a Muaythai masterclass on Thursday and Friday featuring Buakaw Banchamek, ambassador for the International Federation of Muaythai Associations -IFMA-, international competitor Marie Ruumet and elite Thai fighter Nuenglanlek Jitmuangnon. The event will be aimed at young practitioners and enthusiasts from Kazakhstan, combining sport, education and cultural exchange.
The Kazakh National University of Sports will host the free programme, which will include training sessions, a traditional Wai Kru ceremony and a Muay Boran demonstration. Participants will also be introduced to education and training opportunities available in Thailand.
Kazakhstan’s historic role
The event builds on the country’s longstanding involvement in international Muaythai. Almaty hosted the first IFMA World Championships to be held outside Thailand in 2003, helping the sport expand beyond its country of origin. The Kazakh federation has also been part of the international governing body since its early years.
That development has been supported by national championships, educational programmes and youth competitions across the country. In February, the Senior National Championships brought together athletes from 12 regions in Petropavlovsk, with Almaty topping the team standings after winning eight gold, six silver and one bronze medal.
Thailand and Kazakhstan expand cooperation
The masterclass is being organised with the support of the Royal Thai Government, the Sports Authority of Thailand and the Royal Thai Embassy in Kazakhstan. Ambassador Piyapin Niyomrerks has supported the use of Muaythai as a platform for cultural diplomacy, youth development and cooperation between athletes and institutions from both countries.
The Kazakhstan Muaythai Federation, which is recognised by the National Olympic Committee of Kazakhstan, is contributing to this work under president Farkhat Amankulov. Its programmes cover competitive preparation, youth education and the transmission of the cultural elements associated with the discipline.
Champions meet Kazakhstan’s next generation
Buakaw will arrive in Astana as one of Muaythai’s most recognisable figures and one of its leading international representatives. Alongside him, Ruumet and Nuenglanlek will share technical knowledge and training methods developed through competition at the highest level.
The programme will combine sporting instruction with practices connected to the origins and identity of Muaythai. The Wai Kru ceremony will introduce the pre-bout ritual of respect, while the Muay Boran demonstration will present the discipline’s traditional techniques. All activities will be available free of charge to young athletes and enthusiasts from across the country.
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