5 reasons why Muay Thai should be in the Olympics

Muay Thai in the Olympics. Photo Chris Önnerby

Even though it’s great that Muay Thai is featured as a demonstration sport in the 2024 Olympics in Paris 2024, it’s crazy that the popular combat sport is not yet a part of the Olympic Games.

Frontkick’s Tobias Lindkvist lists five reasons why we need to see Muay Thai in the next Olympic games.

1. Popularity

Muay Thai Sam Ghoroghi. Photo: Chris Önnerby

Combat sports is the future!

There is a growing interest for martial arts all over the world. The addition of Muay Thai would most likely increase the ratings of the Olympics, especially in Southeast Asia.

Adding combat sports like Muay Thai and MMA will be important for the relevance of the Olympics.

2. Excitement

Photo: Chris Önnerby

With its combination of fists, elbows, knees, clinching techniques and kicks, as well as strategy and high pace, Muay Thai is an entertaining sport for casual sports fans who are not yet familiar with martial arts.

Swedish fighter Vanessa Romanowski really hit the nail on the head when she explained the beauty of martial arts in a recent interview with Frontkick:

“I think everyone can enjoy combat sports. You don’t have to know the rules. The one who takes the biggest beating loses. That’s it,” Romanowski said.

3. Tradition

Photo: Chris Önnerby

Muay Thai has a rich cultural history and is deeply rooted in Thai culture. The traditional Wai Kru ceremony before the fight makes Muay Thai stand out from other Olympics sports.

Talking about tradition, combat sports like boxing, wrestling and pankration were staples in the ancient Olympic Games.

4. In with the … new?

Photo Chris Önnerby

No offense to all b-boys and b-girls out there, but since breakdancing will be a part of the 2024 Summer Olympics, it would be a crime against sport to exclude Muay Thai in 2028.

5. Out with the old!

Vilda Ekhorn. Photo: Chris Önnerby

Synchronized swimming. I’m just saying..

Read more: The 30 Best Muay Thai Fighters In Scandinavia Right Now!

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