UAE Muay Thai Youth Open Championship off to perfect start

The UAE Muay Thai Youth Open Championship kicked off on Friday at the Dubai World Trade Centre, launching three days of high-level competition that brings together 422 young fighters representing 49 clubs from across the UAE and beyond.

Organized by the UAE Muay Thai and Kickboxing Federation, the championship is part of the federation’s ongoing efforts to support the growth of the sport and provide young athletes with the best opportunities to develop their skills on the path to international excellence. The event also serves as a key step as the UAE prepares to host the IFMA Youth World Championships in Abu Dhabi next month.

The opening day was attended by Sorayut Chasombat, Ambassador of the Thailand to the UAE, and Ali Khoury, Board Member of the UAE Muay Thai and Kickboxing Federation, underscoring the strong ties and shared commitment to advancing the sport.

The first day of competition featured 77 bouts across age groups ranging from 10 to 17 years old, with athletes competing in more multiple weight categories. Supervised by a team of 30 referees, the opening rounds laid the groundwork for the semi-finals and finals.

Established in May 2017, the UAE Muay Thai and Kickboxing Federation is the official governing body for Muay Thai and kickboxing in the UAE. The federation plays a pioneering role in promoting the sport, fostering awareness and cultural understanding, and enabling the UAE to excel on both regional and global stages. With a mission to expand the reach of Muay Thai and kickboxing across the nation, the federation is dedicated to building strong teams capable of competing at the highest levels in both amateur and professional competitions worldwide.