First Muaythai Championship kicks off in Thailand

98 best student athletes in the world converge in Pattaya

The Thai beach resort of Pattaya is buzzing with activity right about now, with hundreds of Muaythai athletes from all over the world arriving for the World University Muaythai Championship. This is the very first edition of the Muaythai Championship on the World University Championship calendar and it is fitting that Thailand is hosting it, as Muaythai is an ancient martial art that began in Thailand and is now practiced all over the world.

Nearly a hundred young student athletes from 23 different countries will be vying for gold in 19 different weight categories, from 23-29 July. Diandra Martin from Australia is representing her country for the first time at international level. With a big smile she says, “I’m going for gold, for sure.”

The Hard Rock Hotel was the venue for the all-important weigh-ins that began on the morning of 23 July. After each athlete was registered in the correct weight category, the draw ceremony followed later in the afternoon.

The first day of action will witness three women’s bouts among the twelve that are slotted for the day. This includes the 60kg bout featuring 3-time Israeli world champion Nili Block against Kazakh star Albina Kulbizekova. Other teams in action on Day 1 include the home team Thailand, Spain, Lebanon, Russia, France, Morocco, Philippines, Malaysia, Slovenia, Hungary and Kyrgyzstan.

Watch the exciting action live here!