An international Muaythai Masterclass has started at KNUS

Champions and experienced coaches from Thailand are conducting a three-day training program in Astana, combining professional sports, cultural exchange, and international cooperation.

An international Muay Thai masterclass has kicked off at the Kazakh National University of Sports (KNUS), bringing together athletes, coaches, representatives of the sports community, and experts from Kazakhstan and Thailand. The opening ceremony was attended by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Thailand to the Republic of Kazakhstan Piyaphon Niyomrerks, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Alibek Kuantyrov, Vice Minister of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan Serik Zharasbayev, and Rector of the Kazakh National University of Sports Tursynzada Kuangalieva.

Over the course of three days, participants will not only master specialized techniques under the guidance of experienced instructors but also learn about the centuries-old traditions of the Thai martial art. The program includes practical training sessions, meetings with champions, an introduction to the Wai Kru Muay Thai ritual, and cultural performances of the traditional Muay Boran art.

Vice Minister of Tourism and Sports Serik Zharasbayev expressed his gratitude to the Embassy of the Kingdom of Thailand in the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Muay Thai Federation of Kazakhstan for organizing the event and contributing to the strengthening of sports ties between Kazakhstan and Thailand.

"In Kazakhstan, special attention is paid to the development of Muay Thai. The Muay Thai Federation of Kazakhstan has been systematically developing this sport in our country since 1998. The high level of the Kazakh school of Muay Thai is also confirmed by the results of our athletes. The national team of Kazakhstan is consistently ranked in the Top 5 leading national teams in the world in Muay Thai," shared Serik Zharasbayev.

It should be noted that strong sports ties have been formed between Kazakhstan and Thailand, including through the development of Muay Thai. As part of the 25th and 30th anniversaries of diplomatic relations between the two countries, professional Muay Thai match meetings were organized in Astana and Almaty. In 2023, an international match meeting was also held in cooperation with the Embassy of Thailand.

Opening the event, Rector of the Kazakh National University of Sports Tursynzada Kuangalieva also welcomed the participants and emphasized the importance of international sports cooperation.

"Muay Thai is not just a sport and technique. It is a discipline that requires strength, endurance, respect, self-control, and inner responsibility. These are the very values that are close to the philosophy of modern sports education," noted KNUS Rector Tursynzada Kuangalieva.

According to her, holding the masterclass within the university walls is particularly important in terms of developing professional contacts between athletes, coaches, and sports experts from both countries.

The program also includes a presentation on the history of Muay Thai and meetings with representatives of sports organizations. Special attention is paid to practical training. The masterclass is taking place not only as a sports event but also as a platform for cultural and professional exchange between Kazakhstan and Thailand.

Thus, during these days, KNUS is becoming a venue where championship experience, sports education, and the cultural heritage of Thailand meet, opening up new opportunities for international cooperation in the field of sports.