Twenty-one countries participated in the Wai Khru competition as part of the Kids and Junior World Championships, across four age divisions. The competition was judged on all aspects of the Wai Khru, integrating the cultural and technical aspects of Muaythai, with the inclusion of each country’s own cultural signature. The competition was held in a draw system, with two athletes from two different countries facing each other in the four age divisions, with the winner moving into the next round.
The special age divisions for the Wai Khru competition were 8-9, 10-11, 12-14, 15-17.
The performances were outstanding, with the children and youth beautifully blending the cultural and sporting elements in the perfect balance which underpin Muaythai. The athletes demonstrated serious talent for the art form, which made it truly exceptional and moving to watch.
The competition proved to be extremely popular with the audience, and it will now be maintained as an important feature in every future Kids and Junior Championships.
The gold and silver medallists were:
Male Division
Age 8-9
POL LLORET SPAIN
ZEKİ SIKILGAN TUR
Age 10-11
MEHER ESADZADE AZERBAIJAN
M.ENES KOSİFOĞLU TUR
Age 12-14
PRATYA KONKHAMYAI THAILAND
MUHAMMED FUAD KALESH LEBANON
Age 15-17
KURALBAYEV ABYLAY KAZAKHSTAN
MUHAMED ABBAS IRAQ
Female Division
Age 8-9
BEYZA ESMA YEŞİL TUR
ANDELA PADZA CRO
Age 10-11
MEHER ESADZADE AZERBAIJAN
M.ENES KOSİFOĞLU TUR
Age 12-14
ON UMA JANYAMA THAILAND
DİLAN YILMAZ TUR
Age 15-17
LUCIJA PANCIROV CROATIA
ÖZLEM ÇELİKTÜRK TUR