Riyadh, Saudi Arabia — The Promenade Art Tower pulsed with energy and pride as Muaythai officially made its debut at the 6th edition of the Islamic Solidarity Games. With 57 nations represented, the opening day was nothing short of spectacular—an unforgettable fusion of tradition, athleticism, and unity.
From the moment the first wai kru echoed through the arena, it was clear: this was more than sport—it was heritage in motion. Royalty and high-ranking officials from the Olympic Movement graced the venue, standing shoulder to shoulder with passionate fans and cheering on the nak muay in a momentous celebration of inclusion and excellence.
A Growing Force in the Islamic World
IFMA is proud to be part of this prestigious event for the first time in history, marking a milestone for Muaythai’s global journey. The strength, spirit, and solidarity of Islamic Muaythai nations have grown exponentially in recent years, as seen in the Asian Youth Games in Bahrain. Today, that momentum was on full display.
His Royal Highness Prince Fahad Bin Mansour Bin Saad Bin Saud Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, President of the Saudi Muaythai Federation and Vice President of IFMA, whose leadership and vision have been instrumental in bringing Muaythai to this prestigious stage was present to welcome and support the athletes.
His Serene Highness Prince Nawaphansa Yugala, accompanied by a distinguished delegation of over 26 individuals from across Thailand—especially the southern provinces—traveled to Riyadh to witness this historic moment and show their unwavering support for Muaythai’s global journey.
UAE Dominates Day One
Team UAE lit up the arena with a flawless 3/3 win streak. Former youth world champions Ibrahim Bilal and Mohammad Mardi delivered masterclass performances, while rising star Zineb Bouhmada made a powerful debut. Their success is a testament to UAE’s robust grassroots development and commitment to excellence.
Morocco, Uzbekistan, Algeria, Iran & Turkey Shine
Morocco followed with a strong showing—three out of four athletes advancing to the next round. Uzbekistan, Algeria, Iran, and Turkey also impressed, showcasing the depth and diversity of talent across the Islamic Muaythai community.
Watch It Live
The action continues daily, and you can catch every punch, kick, and elbow live from Riyadh on DAZN. Don’t miss the chance to witness history in the making.
Muaythai is more than combat—it’s culture, respect, and unity. And today, it stood proudly among the world’s great sporting traditions.
Stay tuned to muaythai.sport and IFMA’s social media for daily updates, highlights, and behind-the-scenes stories from Riyadh.
