Muay Thai has been part of India’s sports scene for many years now, but for the longest time, we hadn’t produced a World Champion. We had won medals, sure, but there’s a big difference between winning a medal, being positioned for medal and becoming a world champion. That all changed in 2023 when Mr. Thirubalachandra made history for our country.
How It All Started
Thirubalachandra’s journey began like many others in small-town India. From a young age, he was drawn to martial arts, inspired by the discipline and strength it demanded. His training wasn’t easy—hours spent in the gym, working on his technique, and building his mental toughness. Under the guidance of coach Mr. Nishanth, Thirubalachandra learned what it takes to be a champion.
He started competing in regional and national tournaments, quickly making a name for himself. But it was the 4th Golden Mongkhon Championship in January 2023 that really set him on the path to international success. Winning at Golden Mongkhon meant earning a spot on the Indian team for the 19th World Muay Thai Championship in Thailand, and Thirubalachandra did just that. His performance was outstanding, and we knew we had someone special on our hands.
The World Championship in Thailand
When we headed to Thailand in March 2023 for the World Championship, we knew the competition would be tough. India had been participating for years, but we had never brought home a gold medal. Still, I had a feeling this time might be different. Thirubalachandra had the skill, the determination, and the heart of a true fighter.
The atmosphere in Thailand was electric. Fighters from all over the world had gathered, each with the same dream of becoming a world champion.
The Battle outside the ring
Thirubalachandra’s journey to becoming India’s first World Muay Thai Champion was nothing short of dramatic. In his first match against an opponent from England, the fight went all three rounds. We all believed he had clearly won, but to our shock, the judges and referee declared that he lost. It was a crushing moment; we knew he had been robbed of his medal opportunity. In international events like these, there’s usually no option to request a video review or challenge the officials’ decisions.
Despite this, we didn’t give up. We approached the World Muay Thai Federation and appealed for a fair chance. After a conversation that lasted nearly an hour, they finally accepted our request. Thirubalachandra was given another shot, this time in the Pro event. The only challenge now was finding an opponent, as all the weight categories were already filled.
Fortunately, the President of Uzbekistan agreed to let his fighter face Thirubalachandra. As soon as the fight began, it was clear that this was Thirubalachandra’s moment. He dominated the first round and secured a decisive victory, winning by unanimous decision. It was a hard-fought journey, but in the end, Thirubalachandra made history as India’s first World Muay Thai Champion.
The What This Victory Means
Thirubalachandra’s victory wasn’t just about winning a title. It was about breaking new ground for Indian Muay Thai. It showed that with hard work, dedication, and the right support, our fighters could compete with the best in the world.
Since his win, Thirubalachandra has become an inspiration to young fighters across India. He’s proof that dreams can come true, and that India is capable of producing world-class athletes in Muay Thai.
As I look back on this journey, I’m filled with pride for what Thirubalachandra has achieved. His story is a reminder of why we do what we do—to push boundaries, to inspire others, and to bring glory to our nation. India’s first World Muay Thai Champion is just the beginning, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for our fighters.