UAE claim 25 medals as World Kickboxing Championship ends on successful note

The WAKO World Kickboxing Championship for Seniors and Masters concluded with unprecedented historic success.

The event was organized by the UAE Muay Thai and Kickboxing Federation at Adnec Abu Dhabi over six days, with the participation of 2,000 athletes from 150 countries representing five continents. 

This year witnessed an exceptional organizational edition that received widespread global attention, as the championship was held for the first time outside Europe and in the Middle East, a reflection of the UAE’s status as a world-class sporting destination capable of hosting major international competitions. 

The UAE national team achieved a historic milestone, the best result in their world championship history, winning a total of 25 medals: 9 gold, 7 silver, and 9 bronze. 

This edition also recorded the largest-ever UAE delegation in the history of WAKO World Championships, featuring 92 male and female athletes across various divisions and weight categories, including the participation of the People of Determination team, whose outstanding performance contributed significantly to the UAE’s medal tally. 

The achievement reflects the success of the federation’s comprehensive development strategy, expanding the sport locally, nurturing talent, and utilizing national championships as key preparation platforms for the national team. 

The closing ceremony witnessed the presence and recognition of champions by: 

Abdullah Saeed Al Neyadi, Vice President of the International Muay Thai Federation, Chairman of the Asian and Arab Muay Thai Federations, and Chairman of the UAE Muay Thai and Kickboxing Federation, 

Roy Baker, President of the World Association for Kickboxing Organizations (WAKO), along with Board Members Tareq Mohammed Al Mehairi and Ali Khouri, in addition to heads of national federations and participating global delegations. 

International delegations unanimously praised the exceptional organization and high level of competition, highlighted by world-class infrastructure and athlete services. 

Neyadi stated: “We are proud of the historic achievements of our national team in this global championship. We dedicate this success to our wise leadership, whose support has provided every foundation for excellence in sport. This achievement crowns years of continuous development and investment in the youth of the UAE, who proved their ability to compete and raise the UAE flag at international arenas.” 

He added: 

“Hosting a championship of this scale with such broad global participation reinforces the UAE’s status as a leading destination for major sporting events. We look forward to building on this success in the coming years.” 

He continued: 

“We are proud of the global recognition and international praise the championship received. In a short period, the federation successfully organized world-class events in Muay Thai and Kickboxing, the largest and first of their kind in the Middle East, reflecting our commitment to attracting elite sporting events, expanding knowledge exchange, and developing national teams.” 

Roy Baker, President of WAKO, said: “What we witnessed in Abu Dhabi reflects an exceptional organizational level, the best in the history of kickboxing world championships. The UAE demonstrated its remarkable capability in hosting major events with excellence and professionalism. This edition stands out among the greatest in the history of WAKO.” 

He added: “We congratulate the UAE team on their strong performance and exceptional results, and we look forward to further collaboration in upcoming events.” 

Ali Khouri, Executive Board Member of WAKO and Board Member of the UAE Muay Thai and Kickboxing Federation, stated: 

“We are proud of the global recognition this championship achieved, and of the fruitful collaboration with partners and sponsors who played a key role in its success.” 

He added: “This historic achievement is the product of strategic planning and unified efforts across technical and administrative bodies. The championship delivered an unprecedented organizational experience on all fronts.” 

He continued: “The event received international media coverage, most notably through the International Olympic Committee channel, confirming its value and global stature. It also embodied the UAE’s commitment to inclusive sport, especially through the participation of People of Determination in partnership with Special Olympics UAE.”