Jorhat (Assam) : Around 180 participants from different states of the country recently participated at the 11th National Amateur Muay-Thai kick boxing championship in Jorhat.
The participants from the age group of 6 to 22 competed in different categories during the three-day event, which was organized by all Assam amateur Muay Thai and Fair sports Club of India.
Muay Thai is a combat sport from the Muay martial arts of Thailand that uses stand-up striking along with various clinching techniques.
The sport is gaining popularity in the northeast where various events are being organized to attract more youth.
“Our main aim is to attract more and more youngster so that they can learn and engage themselves in the martial art and they can learn this art for self defense I think this is a real good martial art. In the coming days, our aim is to get the recognition from the central body so that this game can be recognized for ASIAN Games as well as for Olympic games,” said Dr. Pranab Dutta, Organizing Committee Secretary.
Yaspal, a participant from Madhya Pradesh, said it was a great experience for him as he got the opportunity to interact with the players from other states during the event.
“It was a great experience coming here because (the players of) many states took part in this competition and many players came and they became my good friend. The tournament was tough, the martial arts is a great game coming from since hundreds of years but Muay Thai is originally since 12 years. So, it is not that popular in India, but day by day I think it is increasing the reputation. For the next generation, it will be a great game,” he said.
Samar, another participant from Madhya Pradesh, said this kind of tournament should be organized very frequently so that all the states can participate and this game can flourish in the country.
Mausomi, a participant from Odisha, expressed his delight with the arrangements made at the event.
“Muay Thai game is a good game. They provide us a good food here and the arrangement for playing is also very good. I feel very good,” he said.
A large number of people throng the venue and cheered for the participants.
Assam lifted up the champion trophy in both amateur and open category while Manipur bagged the runners-up title.
Such championships not only provide a platform to sport enthusiasts, but also help strengthen inter-state relationships and cultural unity. (ANI)