Putting up a good fight at the World Amateur Muay Thai Championships in Bangkok later this month is a big goal for the UAE National team, but the six young warriors have set their hearts on something bigger – becoming true pioneers of the sport in the Emirates.
Having four UAE nationals in the group is sure to give the mission a boost. However, head coach Magomed Suleymanov and fighter Najmeddin Al Hadad believe it will take a while before one can expect to see youngsters flocking to Muay Thai sessions.
“Not many people in the UAE have heard of Muay Thai,'' said Suleymanov, “They have only heard of karate, kickboxing or taekwondo. I think it will take about one to two years for Thai boxing to become a bit popular with people. At this point, fighters here do not like the style.''
Al Hadad, who fought in the K-1 championships in Korea earlier this year, called for greater support. “It is difficult but we are trying our best to make it more popular. I am far more famous outside the UAE.
“After fighting in K-1, I was hoping it would create more interest but unfortunately it did not happen. We need the support as we are doing our bit but we need others to do theirs,'' said the Canadian national.
Looking ahead to the event that begins on November 27, Al Hadad said: “It's going to be really tough. In the professional championship you know who you are fighting against, but you don't know what you are up against in amateurs.''
According to Suleymanov: “In amateurs, you have to go for the points. So you have to go for more punches and kicks and avoid the knockouts. That is what we have focused on in training and what I have told my fighters to do.''
