Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
The UAE Muay Thai and Kickboxing Federation, in cooperation with the International Federation of Muay Thai Associations (IFMA), has announced the completion of preparations for the 2025 Youth Muay Thai World Championship, which will open on Friday at the Space 42 Arena, Al Raha Beach, Abu Dhabi.
The championship will run until September 19, bringing together more than 1,200 athletes from 100 countries across different age categories.
International delegations began arriving in the emirate on Wednesday, ahead of the opening ceremony on Friday at 5pm. Entry is free for fans.
Preliminary bouts will begin on Saturday and continue daily from noon to 8pm. Finals for the 8–15 years category will take place on September 18. The championship will conclude on September 19 with the final bouts in the 16–17 years category.
This marks the tournament’s first staging in the Middle East, making it a landmark event in the global combat sports calendar and an important platform for young athletes to test their skills on one of the world’s most prestigious stages.
The IFMA Secretary-General, Stephan Fox, said that this year’s edition will witness an unprecedented level of participation from across the continents, making it the largest in the history of the youth competition. He further noted that Abu Dhabi possesses all the elements required for the success of a sporting event of this magnitude.
The national federation’s board member, Tareq Al Mehairi, highlighted the fact that the strong international participation demonstrates the world’s confidence in the UAE’s organisational excellence and leadership in combat sports.
“We are committed to delivering an extraordinary edition of the championship, upholding the highest professional standards, enhancing Muay Thai’s global footprint, and strengthening Abu Dhabi’s status as a premier global sports hub,” he added.
