Today's Edition
KUUMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI)
Long after the final bouts had concluded and the crowds had dispersed from the main hall at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), the rhythmic thud of gloves against pads could still be heard in the open arena outside.
Ali Yuzeir and Zhulien Rikov, two determined members of the Bulgarian national team, were refusing to call it a night.
Practising alone in the quiet aftermath of the tournament, they were trying to squeeze every last drop of value out of their time in the capital, aiming to secure crucial ranking points. Their relentless drive encapsulated the spirit of a historic week in Abu Dhabi.
For the 2,000 athletes who descended upon the emirate from 150 countries, the WAKO World Kickboxing Championship was not just a competition; it was the ultimate proving ground.
The championship, organised by the UAE Muay Thai and Kickboxing Federation, concluded on Sunday with unprecedented success, marking the first time the event has been held in the Middle East and outside of Europe.
While international athletes like Yuzeir and Rikov fought for global standing, the host nation cemented its own status as a rising power in combat sports.
The national team delivered the best performance in its history, securing a record-breaking haul of 25 medals.
The 92-strong UAE delegation – the largest in the history of the championship – clinched nine gold, seven silver, and nine bronze medals.
The tally included significant contributions from the People of Determination team, highlighting the federation's commitment to inclusive sport in partnership with the Special Olympics UAE.
"Best Edition in History"
The scale of the event drew high praise from the sport's top governance. Roy Baker, President of the World Association for Kickboxing Organisations (WAKO), did not mince words regarding the quality of the organisation.
"What we witnessed in Abu Dhabi reflects an exceptional organisational level, the best in the history of kickboxing world championships," Baker said.
"The UAE demonstrated its remarkable capability in hosting major events with excellence and professionalism. This edition stands out among the greatest in the history of WAKO."
Chairman of the UAE Muay Thai and Kickboxing Federation, Abdullah Al Neyadi, attributed the national team's historic achievement to the country's leadership and added, "This achievement crowns years of continuous development and investment in the youth of the UAE, who proved their ability to compete and raise the UAE flag at international arenas."
He added that hosting the event has reinforced the UAE's status as a leading destination for major sporting events.
The championship's impact extended beyond the mats of ADNEC.
Ali Khouri, Executive Board Member of WAKO, noted that the event received global television coverage, including broadcast by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) channel.
"The national team's achievements are the result of shared effort and a clear strategic vision," Khouri said.
"This historic achievement is the product of strategic planning... the championship delivered an unprecedented organisational experience on all fronts."
