The East Asian Muaythai Championships in Hong Kong, China is the 5th edition of one of Hong Kong’s most important events. Fully patronized by the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China, funded by the Arts and Sports Development Fund of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, and supported by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, as the largest and highest level muaythai event in Hong Kong, this year’s edition breaks its 3-year hiatus since the pandemic with the inclusion of athletes from 9 countries within the East Asian region.
The championships kicked off with a spectacular opening with a large delegation from Thailand, the Sport Authority of Thailand and the National Sports Development Fund including IFMA’s Keeta Muaythai gold medalists, the infamous Lanna Fighting Team promoting Mai Muay and the beloved Pi Muay Band which IFMA takes around the world to promote muaythai’s various disciplines and the culture and heritage of this over 1000-year-old martial art.
Speaking on stage, Mr. Pei SBS, BBS, MH, President of Muay Thai Council of Hong Kong, China, said: “For many years, we have actively held training classes and competitions every year, greatly improving the skills and competitive level of local boxers. This year’s East Asia Muay Thai Championship 2023 is the largest ever, with the competition increased from 9 levels to 13 and athletes from 9 countries and regions coming to participate in the competition. I am delighted to be here with you to witness this great boxing event and show the extraordinary vitality of Hong Kong. Wish the game a great success, all the boxers do their best!”
In his speech, Mr. Lin Woo, Chairman of Muay Thai Council of Hong Kong, China, mentioned: “The Hong Kong Muay Thai Council, from its establishment in 2002 with only a dozen members, has more than 130 members, witness our continuous efforts to promote Muay Thai in the past 20 years. Thank you to the Hong Kong Government, the International Muay Thai Association and the World Muay Today is finally back after the epidemic. Thank you for your support! Wishing everyone health, happiness and happiness!”
Speaking on stage, Mr. Stephan Fox, Secretary General of the International Muay Thai Federation (IFMA) and Vice President of the World Muay Thai Council (WMC), thanked the Muaythai Association of Hong Kong on behalf of IFMA President, Dr. Sakchye Tapsuwan and FAMA President HE Abdullah Al Neyadi and stated: “The Hong Kong Muay Thai Council is one of the leading national federations in the region with competitions of high caliber and standards. Thank you for inviting me to come as a representative to witness it, and thanks to the participation of all countries and regions.”
Mr. Stephan Fox presented a special trophy on behalf of the International Muay Thai Federation and the World Muay Thai Council to the Hong Kong, China Muay Thai Council, received by the Chairman of the Board, Mr. Lin Woo, to thank the Board for its continued contribution and achievements.
The Chair of the IFMA Athletes’ Commission, Janice Lyn, was present to ensure the rules and regulations of the competition were being met and the health and safety of the athletes were prioritized.
The East Asian Muaythai Championships was opened with a ribbon cutting ceremony which included many VIPs and distinguished guests incuding South Korea team leader Mr Seokmu KWON, India President Mr Prasenjit SINGHA, East Asia Muay Thai Championship 2023 General Assembly Mr Huang, Chairman of the Muay Thai Council, Hong Kong, China, Mr. Yao Lin Wo, Minister of Culture, Japanese Consulate General in Hong Kong, Mr. Yuk Long Nishino, Secretary of the International Muay Thai Federation (IFMA) and Vice President of the World Muay Thai Council (WMC) Mr. Stephan Fox, Consulate General of Thailand in Hong Kong Mr. Jarupatra Rattan 、EEA Muay Thai Championship 2023 Mr. Wang Yixing, Secretary General of the China Team Dr. Guo Yan, Team Leader and Head Coach of the Hong Kong Team, Master Liang Weiyao, Head Coach of the Japan Team, Mr. Pingjing, Team Leader of the Macau Team, Master Jiang Guorong, and Director of the Chinese Taipei Team, Mr. Zhang Enhuang.
Athletes from nine participating countries and regions, including Bangladesh, China, Chinese Taipei, India, Japan, Korea, Macau, China, Mongolia and Hong Kong, China, will compete for medals in all levels of competition in these four days.
Good luck to all the athletes as they compete in the semi-finals and finals this weekend!
