On this picture taken on September 24, 2022, Muay Thai boxers Ali Asghar from Iran and Federico Vernengo (R) from Argentina compete throughout their combat at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok. (Picture by Jack TAYLOR / AFP)
The traditional fight sport of Muay Thai has set its sights on Olympic glory, however a latest demise has highlighted security considerations that would gradual its path to a Video games debut.
Muay Thai permits some strikes which can be banned in different types of kickboxing, reminiscent of elbow and knee strikes, and fighters put on little security gear.
The game secured Olympic recognition in 2021 — however whether or not the Video games will ever host a Muay Thai occasion is determined by efforts to make the fights safer and extra inclusive.
Stephan Fox, secretary normal of the Worldwide Federation of Muay Thai Associations (IFMA), insists it’s “a very safe sport” with guidelines in place to make sure fighters are pretty matched.
“In Muay Thai we have the same weight, same skills (…) At the end of the day, accidents happen in any sport,” he mentioned.
He acknowledged that bouts organized privately in rural areas of Thailand exterior the supervision of the governing physique are more durable to police.
At one bout held in July in central Thailand’s Pathum Thani, an elbow strike put former South East Asian Video games silver medallist Panphet Phadungchai right into a coma, and every week later the 25-year-old died.
Extra inclusive
On this picture taken on September 24, 2022, Argentinian Muay Thai boxer Federico Vernengo (L) is handled by medic Phongcharoen Ungkharjornkul (R) after being defeated by technical knockout in his combat at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok. (Picture by Jack TAYLOR / AFP)
Muay Thai — generally known as the “art of eight limbs” for the other ways opponents can strike one another with knees, fists, kicks, and elbows — is Thailand’s de facto nationwide sport and is a supply of immense pleasure.
For the reason that July demise, the Thai authorities have elevated their efforts to implement extra guidelines and inspections in a sport that’s steeped in centuries of custom.
Bids to make the game extra inclusive noticed ladies fighters go toe-to-toe final 12 months for the primary time on the Lumpinee stadium in Bangkok, Muay Thai’s non secular dwelling, run by the military because it opened in 1956.
Offering wounded fighters with medical consideration can also be changing into extra of a precedence.
At a latest seven-fight invoice on the stadium, military physician Phongcharoen Ungkharjornkul, 31, took his place on the fringe of the ring alongside 5 nurses, with an ambulance on standby exterior.
“Muay Thai is a violent sport. It can cause head injuries, concussions, internal bleeding,” he informed AFP.
“If boxers are not treated quickly, they can die.”
Argentinian fighter Federico Vernengo was quickly introduced in by wheelchair, blood pouring down his face after collapsing within the first spherical of his combat.
“When I was hit in the face, I saw my mother… It was crazy,” he mentioned after receiving 5 stitches.
However whereas instant care is readily available, follow-up remedy — and enforcement of relaxation intervals in instances of head accidents — just isn’t all the time so thorough.
Gaps between fights are sometimes reduce quick to permit fighters and promoters to earn more cash.
Little one fighters
The game’s authorities are additionally seeking to clamp down on the involvement of youngsters in bouts.
Common paid fights have lengthy been one route out of poverty for youngsters from rural Thailand, however the demise of a 13-year-old in a bout in 2018 brought on outrage within the kingdom.
Kids can earn lots of of {dollars} a combat from promoters and gamblers, however the bouts typically happen exterior and regulatory framework and with out protecting tools.
Fox mentioned the IFMA is working “to ensure that there are no more child fights.”
“This is one of our concerns,” he mentioned.
The push for higher requirements comes as the game seeks to progress alongside the trail to the Olympic Video games.
Final 12 months the Worldwide Olympic Committee (IOC) formally acknowledged the IFMA, which has practically 150 member nations.
It was an necessary milestone, however Fox mentioned the game had work to do on equality, youth improvement, governance and different areas.
“Everybody dreams of the Olympics,” he mentioned.
“Hopefully one day, the dream will become true for the next generation. For now, one step at a time.”
Resistance
On this picture taken on September 24, 2022, Muay Thai boxers Sahar Safari (centre R) from Iran is said winner after her combat with Dueannapha Sor. Kaenchanchai from Thailand (centre L) at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok. (Picture by Jack TAYLOR / AFP)
However there may be resistance from traditionalists reminiscent of coach Apiprat Lertrakcheewakul, who says stricter security necessities will dilute the “character” of the game.
“If (fighters) need to wear headguards or shin-guards, it won’t be Muay Thai anymore, it will be boxing,” he mentioned.
He additionally defended the younger age at which many Thai fighters start coaching — the youngest in his health club is seven years outdated.
“Otherwise there is no way to hold up against foreign boxers. You have to stay number one, because it’s the national sport.”
For Anthony Durand, the Frenchman who delivered the deadly blow to Panphet, the dream is over — after 28 bouts he has give up the game for good.
“Since (the fight) my life has not been the same,” Durand informed AFP.
“My days are empty,” he mentioned. “It didn’t bother me, the risks, until I understood that death was part of it.”
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