Muay Thai is a full-contact combat sports which originated in Thailand, in which fighters try to defeat their opponents by using hitting and kicking techniques.
Muay Thai was featured as a demonstration sport at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, marking a significant milestone for the martial art. This event is organized by the International Federation of Muay Thai Associations (IFMA), and although Muay Thai is not yet an official Olympic sport, the demonstration is a step toward greater recognition.
The demonstration took place over five days, with the main events on August 5 and 6. These included bouts held at a specially constructed stadium at Club France, featuring athletes from 24 countries. The event also showcased the traditional wai kru ceremony performed by renowned Thai boxer Buakaw Banchamek, paying homage to the cultural roots of Muay Thai.
The inclusion of Muay Thai is part of broader efforts to promote the sport on the global stage and may pave the way for it to become a regular fixture in future Olympic Games​.
Related Pages
- All about Olympic Demonstration Sports
- The World Combat Games
- About the sport of Muay Thai
- Sport in Thailand