Hua hin: The city of Hua Hin is rapidly gaining prominence as a hub for Muay Thai, hosting thrilling Saturday night matches that attract numerous foreign spectators. View Yaowapa, a former Thai national taekwondo athlete and executive director of The Legend Arena, emphasized the need for the government and private sector to collaborate on creating a safe and sustainable future for children's Muay Thai.
According to Thai News Agency, the "Muay Thai Saturday Super Fight" event at The Legend Arena in Bluport Hua Hin Shopping Mall, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, showcased a lively atmosphere filled with both Thai and foreign spectators. The event is part of efforts to promote Hua Hin as a "Muay Thai City" and boost sports tourism, supported by sponsors such as Bluport Hua Hin Shopping Mall and Minimon Bottled Water. It provides an opportunity for both youth and adult fighters to display their skills and is held monthly to enhance Hua Hin's image as a tourist and sports destination.
Ms. Yaowapa Burapholchai, also known as "View Yaowapa," hopes to position Hua Hin as a sports and Muay Thai hub that generates economic opportunities and tourism while providing local youth with avenues for growth. Highlighting the cultural significance of Muay Thai, she envisions Hua Hin as a place where tourists can engage with the sport and where children can develop their skills.
The competition featured eight matches, drawing significant attention from spectators. Among the standout performances was a fight involving "Majjurach Khao Sor. Kriengkrai," a Canadian boxer who has been training in Hua Hin. His victory over "Khundet P. Promminth" by points demonstrated the growing popularity of Muay Thai among both Thai and foreign youth. The main event saw "Kiatisak Subdistrict Preecha" secure a knockout victory against "Pornpisit Powerpun Boxing Gym" in the second round, delighting the audience with an exciting finish.
Ms. Yaowapa addressed concerns about child boxing, acknowledging the safety and health considerations raised by various stakeholders. She emphasized the importance of creating safe, age-appropriate environments for young boxers to gain experience and develop their skills. Ms. Yaowapa advocated for standards that ensure safety while allowing children to learn and grow within the sport.
She suggested that the government gather insights from those involved in the boxing industry to establish practical standards for child boxing. Ms. Yaowapa also proposed measures to support youth boxing, such as providing protective equipment, safety training for coaches, and health check-ups, to ensure child protection without disrupting the development of Thai boxing.
Ms. Yaowapa concluded by expressing The Legend Arena's readiness to collaborate with the government, the Sports Authority of Thailand, and other stakeholders in developing youth Muay Thai responsibly. The goal is to promote Hua Hin as a leading Muay Thai city that not only nurtures athletes but also contributes to the economy and showcases the art of Muay Thai globally.