Abu Dhabi opened the WAKO World Kickboxing Championship for Seniors and Masters, marking the first time the event is held outside Europe and the first in the Middle East.
The championship brings together 2,000 athletes from 150 countries at ADNEC Abu Dhabi.
WAKO World Kickboxing Championship
The ceremony started with the UAE national anthem and a visual presentation highlighting the country’s development. An artistic performance followed, featuring displays themed around strength, unity and competition.
Speeches were delivered by representatives of the UAE Muay Thai and Kickboxing Federation and the World Association for Kickboxing Organizations (WAKO), before the parade of nations took place. Delegations included referees, coaches and athletes, leading to the official announcement of the championship’s start.
UAE hosting role
Abdullah Saeed Al Neyadi, Vice President of the International Muay Thai Federation, President of the Asian and Arab Muay Thai Federations, and President of the UAE Muay Thai and Kickboxing Federation, said the event marks an important moment for the sport and for the UAE.
He stated: “We welcome the delegations of the participating nations to Abu Dhabi, which has proven its ability to deliver advanced organizational models that meet the highest international standards. The participation of 150 countries and nearly 2,000 athletes is clear evidence of the immense confidence the global sports community places in the UAE, and it elevates the value of this edition, which we expect will contribute to strengthening the global presence of kickboxing.”
WAKO remarks
Roy Baker, President of WAKO, praised the organisation of the opening ceremony and highlighted the strength of the partnership with the UAE. He said the scale of participation has made this the largest championship in WAKO’s history and a significant step in supporting the sport’s global growth.
The event was attended by Aref Hamad Al Awani, Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council; Nasser Al Tamimi, Secretary General of the UAE Judo Federation; members of the UAE Muay Thai and Kickboxing Federation Board of Directors; presidents of national federations; and international guests.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
