Muay Thai Secures Place in 2027 Military World Games
Thailand's national sport to be featured in the upcoming global military competition, enhancing its international presence.
Muay Thai, Thailand's esteemed national sport, has been officially included in the 2027 CISM Summer World Games, which will take place in the United States.
This milestone was announced during the opening of the inaugural _1st CISM Military Muay Thai Challenge_ held at Paragon Hall, Siam Paragon in Bangkok, an event attended by high-ranking officials, including Sutin Klungsang, Minister of Defence and President of the Association for the Promotion of Military Sports of Thailand, alongside Colonel Nilton Gomes Rolim Filho, the President of the International Military Sports Council (CISM).
The ceremony featured a diverse array of activities, including a parade of flags, performances by a military band, and a captivating Muay Thai demonstration.
A prominent moment was marked by an amateur bout between renowned Thai fighters Buakaw Banchamek and Superbon Singha Mawinn, which elicited enthusiastic applause from the audience.
Running from July 10 to 13, the _1st CISM Military Muay Thai Challenge_ is a joint initiative of the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters and the Association for the Promotion of Military Sports (Thailand).
The event garners support from the International Federation of Muay Thai Associations (IFMA), the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), and various sponsors from both public and private sectors, including PTT and the Government Lottery Office.
In addition to competitive matches, the event showcases traditional practices such as 'Wai Kru', a pre-fight ritual, and 'Mae Mai Muay Thai', which highlights fundamental techniques of the sport.
This initiative aligns with the Thai government’s efforts to promote its soft power, specifically through military diplomacy.
The primary goal is to enhance mutual understanding, trust, and camaraderie among the armed forces of the 141 countries participating in CISM.
The inclusion of Muay Thai as the 26th sport for the 2027 World Games reflects CISM's acknowledgment of Thailand's commitment to the sport's global development.
Sutin Klungsang articulated the significance of Muay Thai as a form of soft power, emphasizing its value and potential for broader recognition.
He indicated that the military's discipline and unique identity make it an ideal platform for promoting the sport.
He further noted that Thai Armed Forces have been instructed to actively support Muay Thai within their ranks, as well as pursue its international acknowledgment.
Strong interest from international participants has been observed, with numerous nations represented and several major powers sending observers.
Sutin reported positive feedback regarding the initial event, expressing anticipation for an even more expansive event in Turkey next year, which will include a larger number of participating countries.
Additionally, the announcement of Muay Thai's inclusion in the 2027 Military World Games has been made before the conclusion of the current event—a strategic move that reveals a hopeful trajectory towards the sport eventually being included in the Olympic Games.
This milestone was announced during the opening of the inaugural _1st CISM Military Muay Thai Challenge_ held at Paragon Hall, Siam Paragon in Bangkok, an event attended by high-ranking officials, including Sutin Klungsang, Minister of Defence and President of the Association for the Promotion of Military Sports of Thailand, alongside Colonel Nilton Gomes Rolim Filho, the President of the International Military Sports Council (CISM).
The ceremony featured a diverse array of activities, including a parade of flags, performances by a military band, and a captivating Muay Thai demonstration.
A prominent moment was marked by an amateur bout between renowned Thai fighters Buakaw Banchamek and Superbon Singha Mawinn, which elicited enthusiastic applause from the audience.
Running from July 10 to 13, the _1st CISM Military Muay Thai Challenge_ is a joint initiative of the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters and the Association for the Promotion of Military Sports (Thailand).
The event garners support from the International Federation of Muay Thai Associations (IFMA), the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), and various sponsors from both public and private sectors, including PTT and the Government Lottery Office.
In addition to competitive matches, the event showcases traditional practices such as 'Wai Kru', a pre-fight ritual, and 'Mae Mai Muay Thai', which highlights fundamental techniques of the sport.
This initiative aligns with the Thai government’s efforts to promote its soft power, specifically through military diplomacy.
The primary goal is to enhance mutual understanding, trust, and camaraderie among the armed forces of the 141 countries participating in CISM.
The inclusion of Muay Thai as the 26th sport for the 2027 World Games reflects CISM's acknowledgment of Thailand's commitment to the sport's global development.
Sutin Klungsang articulated the significance of Muay Thai as a form of soft power, emphasizing its value and potential for broader recognition.
He indicated that the military's discipline and unique identity make it an ideal platform for promoting the sport.
He further noted that Thai Armed Forces have been instructed to actively support Muay Thai within their ranks, as well as pursue its international acknowledgment.
Strong interest from international participants has been observed, with numerous nations represented and several major powers sending observers.
Sutin reported positive feedback regarding the initial event, expressing anticipation for an even more expansive event in Turkey next year, which will include a larger number of participating countries.
Additionally, the announcement of Muay Thai's inclusion in the 2027 Military World Games has been made before the conclusion of the current event—a strategic move that reveals a hopeful trajectory towards the sport eventually being included in the Olympic Games.
