More than 300 young athletes aged 8–11 gathered in Abu Dhabi for the Muaythai Cadet Championships, competing not only in Muaythai combat, but also in the traditional disciplines of Wai Kru and Mae Muay, preserving the rich cultural heritage of the art.
Held as part of the Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan Ramadan Championship – Al Wathba 2026, the event stands among the largest youth martial arts gatherings, showcasing the remarkable growth of Muaythai at grassroots level. The competition also serves as an important selection pathway toward the Youth World Championships, highlighting the next generation of champions.
H.E. Abdullah Al Neyadi, President of the UAE Muaythai and Kickboxing Federation, praised the young athletes for demonstrating respect, discipline, skill, and sportsmanship, emphasizing the importance of developing the sport through youth.
The competition began with the 8–9 and 10–11 year-old categories, where young Nak Muays competed under safe youth rules and a carefully structured sporting environment, showcasing why Muaythai is an IOC-recognised sport and why UAE Muaythai enjoys full recognition from the National Olympic Committee and the Sports Council.
The excitement continues tomorrow as the Youth Championships begin, featuring athletes from 12 years old up to under 18, with over 800 participants expected to compete in both Muaythai combat and the traditional disciplines of Wai Kru and Mae Muay.
All eyes are now on the finals, where the young athletes will compete for a place on the podium. Yet, in truth, every participant is already a winner — demonstrating courage, respect, dedication, and the spirit of Muaythai.
The tournament once again confirms that the future of Muaythai is bright, with young Nak Muays already displaying the spirit, respect, tradition, and Olympic values that define the art and sport of Muaythai.
