Thai Youth Muay Thai Team Starts IFMA World Championships in Olympia
The Thai youth muay thai team has begun competing at the 2026 IFMA Youth World Championships in Olympia, Greece, where nearly 1,000 athletes from 65 nations are participating. The event opened with a historic mass wai kru ceremony at Ancient Olympia, and Thai officials say the squad is well-prepared despite cold weather conditions.
The 2026 IFMA Youth World Championships officially opened on November 8 in Olympia, Greece, with nearly 1,000 athletes from 65 member nations. Thailand, regarded as the "Masterland of Muay Thai," entered competitors in every weight class.
Before the formal opening ceremony, IFMA held a wai kru workshop at the Olympia exhibition hall to teach athletes the traditional pre-fight ritual, followed by a historic mass wai kru ceremony at Ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games, involving over 700 young athletes from around the world.
The opening ceremony was attended by Aristeidis Panagiotopoulos, Mayor of Ancient Olympia; Sarun Khemsan Na Ayutthaya, Thai Ambassador to Athens; and Stefan Fox, IFMA Secretary General. The Thai youth team marched behind the national flag carried by Kittiyos Saensri, a 16-year-old male fighter in the 45 kg division. The delegation included "Party" Panthita Petchkhum, granddaughter of Thai Olympic hero Worapoj Petchkhum; Phattharathida Phikaew; and Thanakorn Mee-ngoen. The athletes' oath was delivered by Napaichan Phatthasathienchai, a 16-year-old female wai kru athlete.
After the ceremony, IFMA and the Greek hosts held a welcome reception before competition began on November 9.
Regarding team readiness, Pol. Lt. Nirinthorn Punnotok, manager of the Thai youth muay thai team, said the squad rested fully upon arrival and conducted light warm-ups at the Aldemar Olympian Village hotel in Skaphidia, Peloponnese, to maintain weight. Head coach Air Chief Marshal Boonchob Nualyong oversaw technical review sessions emphasizing full Muay Thai weapons — punches, kicks, knees, and elbows. The main concern is cold weather at 12–15°C, prompting extra warm-ups to prevent illness.
"Pun" Thapna S. Prembut (Yuthakarn Muay Thai), real name Pannathat Lakphitak, an 18-year-old male fighter from Ratchaburi in the 57 kg division and son of Yuthakarn Petch Phetchabun, stated he is fully prepared after adjusting his condition for the tournament.
