Muaythai World Championships: Calcutta makes India Proud
India delivered a knockout performance at the 20th WMF World Muaythai Championships in Thailand, bagging 19 medals, including two golds. With fighters from Calcutta leading the charge, the nation is proving its mettle in the sport.
Blimey, what a showing! India has well and truly put its foot in the ring—quite literally—at the 20th World Muaythai Federation (WMF) World Championships in Thailand. As the final bell rang on March 19, Team India had racked up a rather respectable 19 medals, proving they’re no pushovers in the world of Muaythai. With two golds, nine silvers, and eight bronzes, it’s fair to say they didn’t just turn up for a holiday in Bangkok.
What’s more, six of those medals came courtesy of fighters from Calcutta, who have clearly been training like absolute workhorses. Their efforts have catapulted India’s Muaythai credentials higher up the ladder, and it’s about time the world sat up and took notice.
A Supremacy of Skill
Heading the Indian charge was Lionel Hupping, the head coach and mastermind behind Supremacy India, a Muaythai academy in Topsia. Speaking with all the pride of a schoolteacher whose students have finally stopped doodling and started acing exams, Lionel remarked, “India won 19 medals, of which two were gold and both were from our academy. The competition this year was tougher, but we held our ground. Some of our fighters lost out on gold and silver by the slimmest of margins.”
A few millimetres here, a fraction of a second there—small margins, big dreams. But let’s not forget, second place is just the first loser, and India’s fighters will be looking to set that record straight next time.
A Lesson in Technique
While India’s Muaythai warriors were busy throwing punches and dodging kicks, they also got a front-row seat to the level of excellence displayed by fighters from the UK, Armenia, and Uzbekistan. As Lionel put it, “You could see how far ahead they are in terms of technique and experience.” But if there’s one thing Indians are known for, apart from a good cuppa chai and the ability to make any dish impossibly spicy, it’s their knack for learning fast. No doubt, this tournament has been a crash course in what’s needed to climb to the very top.
Meet the Gold Standard
One of India’s brightest sparks in the ring was 15-year-old Mohammed Fazal Jamal, who took home gold in the male under-54kg category. His trip to Thailand was made possible by Swati Choudhary and the Geosatis Trust, proving that behind every great athlete is someone willing to back their dreams.
“The finals were the toughest fight I have ever had,” Fazal said, catching his breath between victory grins. “The winning feeling was so good that I want to keep experiencing it. We have the Asian Championship and Nationals coming up—now all I want is gold!”
That’s the spirit! There’s no room for resting on laurels in the world of Muaythai. A bit of celebration, a lot of bruises to ice, and then it’s back to the grind.
Looking Ahead
With a solid haul of medals and an ever-growing presence on the international Muaythai scene, India’s fighters are proving that they are not just there to make up the numbers. The lessons from this tournament will no doubt sharpen their skills for the battles ahead. And who knows? Perhaps next year, India will be standing even taller on the podium, collecting more gold than a Bond villain.
For now, hats off to the fighters, their coaches, and everyone working behind the scenes to put Indian Muaythai on the world map. They’ve fought like lions, and the world has taken notice. Here’s to bigger punches and shinier medals in the future!
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