The 18th World Muay Thai Championship in 2023 marked a significant milestone for India. Our fighters displayed grit and determination on a global platform, blending hard work, passion, and a relentless drive to make the nation proud.
Building Team India
To prepare for the championship, Team India was carefully selected after an outstanding performance at the 3rd Golden Mongkhon Title Championship. This event, held in Bengaluru from January 19th to 22nd, 2023, brought together the best Muay Thai talent in the country. Consequently, it served as the perfect stage to identify fighters who would represent India in Thailand.
Led by Mr. Hemanth, the President of Indian Muay Thai, the team consisted of 11 members. Moreover, two assistant coaches, Mr. Manas Daimary from Dojang and Mr. Pavan Kumar from Raw Combat Fitness, supported him. In addition, Mr. Biplov made history as the first Indian referee and judge to officiate at an international Muay Thai event.
The Fighters’ Journey
The eight fighters representing India carried not only their personal ambitions but also the hopes of an entire nation. Their performances reflected a mix of victories and valuable lessons. Here are the results:
- Krishnamoni: Bronze Medal
- Hridik Diamary: Bronze Medal
- Ankit Singh: Bronze Medal
- Varun: Bronze Medal
- Krithika Jois: Silver Medal
- Likith Krishnamurthy: Silver Medal
- Rohan Rajendra: Gained valuable experience
- Chaitanya Shivanna: Learned important lessons
Although six fighters brought home medals—a remarkable achievement—Rohan and Chaitanya gained experiences that will undoubtedly fuel their future growth. Sometimes, the lessons from a challenging fight are just as important as a medal.
Reflecting on the Experience
India’s performance at the championship demonstrated how far the nation has progressed in Muay Thai. Furthermore, the dedication of the coaches, the leadership of Mr. Hemanth, and the determination of the fighters made this international campaign commendable.
As Indian Muay Thai continues to grow, the experiences and achievements from this championship will inspire even greater success. Ultimately, this event was not just about winning medals; it was about laying a foundation for the future. With these building blocks in place, the road ahead looks promising, and Indian Muay Thai is poised for even greater achievements.
