Muay Thai is set to be showcased at the Olympic Park in Paris, France, from July 26 to August 11, as part of a cultural demonstration alongside the Summer Olympics. The display is a major step toward Muay Thai’s potential inclusion as an Olympic sport in the future.
The program will feature Muay Thai as a side event, offering Olympic attendees a rare glimpse into the traditional Thai martial arts. A dedicated workshop will run for five days at the Boxing House within the Olympic Park, with the main activities scheduled for August 5 and 6. A specially constructed stadium at Club France will host two full days of competitive bouts, with athletes from 24 countries, including Thailand, showcasing the sport over 10 hours each day.
Organized by the International Federation of Muay Thai Associations (IFMA), the event will also include a virtual demonstration to showcase the sport’s technical nuances and cultural significance. Traditional elements such as Muay Thai music performances and the Wai Khru ritual, which honors trainers and spirits, will also be featured.
The festivities will be further enhanced by renowned Thai boxer Buakaw Banchamek, who will perform in the Wai Khru ceremony, aiming to both entertain and educate spectators about the origins and significance of Muay Thai. (NNT)
