As the 2025 IFMA Senior World Championships progress in Antalya, Turkey, Wai Kru stands prominently at the heart of the event. This centuries-old ritual, integral to Muaythai’s spiritual and cultural identity, has evolved into a full medal discipline, symbolizing IFMA’s dedication to honoring the sport’s heritage while fostering its global growth .
While combat events often capture widespread attention, the Wai Kru competition offers a platform where tradition, artistry, and respect are formally celebrated. Performed as a pre-fight ritual to pay homage to teachers and ancestors, Wai Kru has become a centerpiece of the championship. Now in its eighth year as a medal event, it provides athletes with a unique stage to express technique, discipline, history, gratitude, and identity .
This year’s competition has attracted athletes from 32 countries and is being broadcast live on the Olympic Channel, offering global audiences an opportunity to experience the ceremonial side of Muaythai. This visibility marks a significant step forward in promoting cultural practices within international sports and underscores IFMA’s commitment to ensuring that Muaythai remains not just a competitive sport but a living cultural legacy .
Unlike the combat divisions, Wai Kru allows for a broader expression of artistry. It welcomes those who may not wish to participate in full-contact fighting, granting them a respected space to compete at the highest level. This inclusivity reflects IFMA’s philosophy of embracing all aspects of Muaythai and opening doors for diverse forms of participation .
IFMA Senior World Championships, Antalya 2025
Wai Kru finalists ready for medal battle
In the U23 Female category, the finalists are Yan Jia Chi (Malaysia), Rhichein Yosorez Lrena (Philippines), Asal Zaferanlou (Iran), and Salma Aljneibi (United Arab Emirates). Each athlete brings a distinctive national character and artistic interpretation, promising a highly expressive final .
The U23 Male division features LJ Rafael Yasay (Philippines), Son Nguyen Hoang (Vietnam), Ahmed Abbas (Iraq), and Ayoub Lakrami (UAE). Their preliminary performances displayed impressive control, rhythm, and emotional depth, qualities that will be tested in the final rounds .
At the senior level, the female finalists include Islay Erika Bomagao (Philippines), Lieu Pham Thi Bich (Vietnam), Iryna Ladynenko (Ukraine), and Athanasia Kantalaft (Greece). In the senior male division, the finalists are Phillip Delarmino (Philippines), Shih-Wei Kao (Chinese Taipei), Minh Nguyen (Vietnam), and Valerii Denysov (Ukraine). These athletes bring experience and refinement to their performances, each displaying remarkable presence and a deep connection to the roots of the ritual .
The Wai Kru finals are scheduled to take place over the weekend, adding a moment of anticipation and reflection to the fast-paced schedule of the world championships. It is a time when the arena transitions from a site of competition to one of reverence, storytelling, and spiritual depth.
By elevating Wai Kru on this international platform, IFMA is not merely preserving tradition; it is actively integrating it into the present and future of the sport. In Antalya, the story of Muaythai is being told not only through combat but through choreography, culture, and ceremony. This serves as a reminder that the true strength of a sport lies not only in its physical impact but in the meaning it carries across generations.
