Tuesday, August 16, 2022: Good things come to those who do good things. It’s a simple adage, no science involved. The WBC MuayThai in its eighteen-year history has provided endless opportunities for MuayThai fighters and athletes across all continents with a single continued aim to enhance the global outlook for the sport and culture of MuayThai.
Moreover, with the continued global growth of the sport, two fine gentlemen from the UK approached the WBC MuayThai head office with an idea to host a WBC MuayThai World Youth Games — the initial meeting on this project came in January 2021, fast forward to August 16, 2022, the first games are complete.
Nearly one hundred and fifty MuayThai athletes from eighteen countries descended on the beautiful city of Calgary, Canada to compete at the inaugural games, contesting for coveted gold, silver, and bronze medals on August 13 and 14.
The opening ceremony of the games took place on Friday the 14th in the grand room at famed WinSport Arena, an arena that hosted the Calgary Winter Olympics back many years ago. Dignitaries, athletes, coaches, parents, and fans attended the ceremony which saw traditional Thai dancers from Thailand showcase traditions from the Kingdom.
WBC MuayThai Executive-Secretary Colonel Thanapol Bhakdibhumi gave a passionate opening speech welcoming everyone to the historic games. The Royal Thai Consulate General to Canada, based in Vancouver gave an equally impressive overview and welcome on behalf of all Thai people to thank those who share a worldly passion for MuayThai.
The games took place over two action-packed days. The in-ring action was nothing short of mesmerizing with the 10-year-olds up to 17-year-old athletes displaying incredible skill and fortitude during the contests.
When the final bell rang on the final evening of competition, the medals podium took center as all in attendance gathered to watch the athletes who were crowned gold medal winners collect their prizes medals, the silver medalists received their pride, and those who captured bronze were equally as proud in receiving their medals.
Those two aforementioned English gentlemen who brought this idea to fruition were none other than Kieran Keddle and Nash Keshwala. Gents, the entire MuayThai world salutes and thanks you for your willingness to provide a platform for the youth of MuayThai.
We were also honored to have MuayThai legend Saenchai join the WBC MuayThai World Youth Games as part of the coaching setup for Team WBC MuayThai Thailand where he was played a significant role in helping the team capture three golds and one silver medal.
The WBC MuayThai presented Saenchai with a replica of his WBC MuayThai Diamond belt that he won back in 2014, having lost the original one – we thank you Saenchai for being a wonderful ambassador for the sport of MuayThai.