The UAE Youth Muay Thai National Team made history with a record 96 medals at the Youth Muay Thai World Championships, held in Abu Dhabi over seven days.
Record-breaking medal haul
With 122 athletes competing across multiple divisions and weight classes, including Para Muay Thai, the UAE team secured 40 gold, 21 silver, and 35 bronze medals. This was the highest medal count among all participating countries.
The UAE finished second overall, behind neutral athletes representing the International Federation of Muay Thai, who claimed 94 medals, including 53 golds.
Large international turnout
The global championship brought together more than 1,200 athletes from 100 countries across six continents. The event was hosted under the umbrella of the International Federation of Muay Thai and featured not only competitions but also educational programs, workshops, and training sessions for coaches and referees.
Officials credited the UAE’s performance to focused development efforts by the UAE Muay Thai and Kickboxing Federation.
“We are proud of our national youth team’s historic achievements, which we dedicate to our wise leadership for their vision and unwavering support of sports and athletes, and to the people of the UAE. This success reflects our nation’s limitless commitment to sports and confirms the federation’s strategy of investing in youth to create champions who can carry the nation’s flag worldwide,” said Abdullah Saeed Al Neyadi, President of the Asian and Arab Muay Thai Federations and Chairman of the UAE Muay Thai and Kickboxing Federation.
Global recognition
Stephan Fox, Secretary General of the International Federation of Muay Thai, commended the UAE’s efforts, saying: “Abu Dhabi has once again demonstrated its capability to host major international sporting events, delivering a youth championship with world class professionalism and strengthening its status as the capital of Muay Thai.”
Tareq Mohammed Al Mehairi, a Board Member of the UAE Muay Thai and Kickboxing Federation, said the achievement was a result of strategic planning and collaboration across departments. Fellow Board Member Ali Khouri highlighted the significance of Para Muay Thai’s inclusion, noting the competition promoted inclusivity and equality in line with national values.
The championship ended with a gala dinner attended by international delegates and federation representatives. Top-performing athletes and teams were honoured, and commemorative shields were exchanged, marking the end of the event with a spirit of unity and sportsmanship.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
