By Kenny Teng
AYUTTHAYA (Thailand), March 18 (Bernama) -- Thousands of international Muay Thai practitioners gathered on Monday (March 17) for the 17th World Wai Kru Muay Thai Ceremony, celebrating the deeply rooted traditions of Muay Thai and reinforcing its global appeal.
The internationally recognised event, held at two temples within the Ayutthaya Historical Park, attracted approximately 2,000 fighters and fans, both Thai and foreign.
Malaysian Muay Thai coach Kiang Saiprawat, 50, said he brought his team to represent Malaysia at the World Wai Kru Muay Thai Ceremony to gain valuable experience and deepen their understanding of Muay Thai culture, particularly in Ayutthaya, Thailand.
"As a coach, I always look for opportunities to expose my students to the sport and its cultural aspects, so they can improve their skills in the ring.
"This event is a fantastic opportunity, as this year’s World Wai Kru Muay Thai ceremony has attracted participants from over 40 countries," Kiang told Bernama on Monday.
Although Muay Thai is not as popular in Malaysia as it is in Thailand, Kiang said the sport has the potential to win medals and bring pride to the country, especially during the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.
"Our participation here offers an excellent opportunity to identify and nurture young talent in this martial art," he added.
Meanwhile, National Muay Thai athlete Athachai Saiprawat, 23, said he joined the World Wai Kru Muay Thai Ceremony to learn more about Muay Thai culture, which he believes is crucial for excelling in the sport.
"When sparring with international Muay Thai practitioners, we can pick up valuable techniques and skills from them," he said.
Athachai, who won three bronze medals at the 2023 Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia, emphasised that understanding the cultural side of the sport is vital, particularly for competing in the Wai Kru category.
The 2025 World Wai Kru Muay Thai Ceremony was officiated by Thailand Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong.
The main highlight of the event was the ritual of wearing the auspicious headband and the collective Wai Kru dance, a time-honoured tradition where Muay Thai practitioners pay homage to their masters.
The ceremony was led by renowned professional Muay Thai fighters, including Prajanchai PKSaenchai Muaythaigym, Ferrari Fairtex, Yodkaikaew Fairtex, and Saemapetch Fairtex.
-- BERNAMA
