Chengdu’s Sichuan Gymnasium provided an impressive stage for the opening day of Muaythai at The World Games 2025. The competition began after the International Federation of Muaythai Associations held its official Team Managers Meeting, bringing together representatives from 29 nations and 48 qualified athletes.

During the meeting, IFMA Director General Charissa Tynan welcomed the delegations and reflected on the sport’s third consecutive appearance at the Games, following Wrocław 2017 and Birmingham 2022. She highlighted the unique scheduling that allows all athletes to join the Opening Ceremony. IFMA Sport Director Janice Lyn covered logistical details in coordination with the Local Organising Committee, while Technical Delegate Dato Shah explained competition rules, the Swiss Timing scoring system, and the seeding method used for the draw.

The official draw produced compelling matchups. In the women’s 54kg division, Burgos of Mexico was set to face Chochlikova of Slovakia, with Szekely of Hungary meeting Kierczynska of Poland. At 60kg, Kocakus of Turkey drew Kamtakrapoom of Thailand, while Han of China was paired with Changeliia of AIN. The men’s 57kg category saw Shelesko of Ukraine matched with Nguyen Tran of Vietnam, and Gordon of Israel against Rolland of France. The 71kg bracket included Shakhrarin of AIN versus Speth of Hungary and an all-Italy clash between Franzosi and Yefimenko. In the 86kg division, Ortiz of the USA was drawn against Collins of South Africa, while Zhang of China faced Livdari of Croatia.

When the competition began, the action was immediate. In the women’s 48kg division, Rudzma Abubakar of the Philippines impressed with superior range and movement to defeat Anastasia Mykhailenko of Ukraine. The 54kg category saw Monika Chochlikova of Slovakia edge out Megan Washam of the USA in a closely fought contest. At 60kg, Xin Han of China overcame Asa Nardelotti of Hungary in a spirited performance that showcased grit and national pride.

The men’s bouts delivered equally high drama. Darren Rolland of France dominated Mohammed Touizi of the UAE in the 57kg division with precise strikes and creative combinations. At 71kg, Oleksandr Yefimenko of Ukraine, silver medallist in Birmingham, defeated Abdelali Zahidi of Morocco in a tactical battle. The day closed with a home victory as Chengcheng Zhang of China overpowered Juan Antonio Totomol of Mexico in the 86kg division, sending the crowd into celebration.

Massive reception for Muaythai in Chengdu

Muaythai finalists shine at the World Games

The Sichuan Gymnasium in Chengdu buzzed with excitement as the Muaythai semi-finals unfolded before a packed house at The World Games 2025. Every seat was filled, and the VIP section sparkled with members of the International Olympic Committee and the Chinese Olympic Committee, adding prestige to the event. The fans’ passion for Nak Muay was unmistakable, fueling thrilling performances throughout the evening.

In the -48kg Female Division, Xiaohui Liu became a national sensation. Combining unpredictability with finesse, Liu consistently outpaced Rudzma Abubakar, securing her spot in the finals and marking the first time a Chinese athlete has reached this stage in Muaythai on home soil. Her grit and skill electrified the arena.

The 60kg Female Division saw Xin Han deliver a compelling performance against IFMA champion Marina Bespalova of the Athlete Independent Nation. Han’s tactical brilliance and fierce determination propelled her into the final round, underscoring China’s rising power in women’s Muaythai.

Muaythai at the World Games 2025

International stars also made their mark. Laura, the reigning world champion and IWGA Athlete of the Month for June, showcased why she remains at the sport’s pinnacle with a precise and commanding display in the -54kg Female Division. Meanwhile, Turkey’s Kubra Kokackus battled Thailand’s Kaewrudee Kamtakrapoom in a gripping 60kg female clash. Kokackus’s rapid-fire combinations ultimately overcame Kamtakrapoom’s lethal kicks in a contest that kept spectators on the edge of their seats.

On the men’s side, Italy’s Gianluca Franzosi delivered the day’s biggest upset in the 71kg Division. Rising from IFMA’s grassroots program, Franzosi’s calm composure and tactical mastery earned him a place in the finals and the admiration of fans worldwide.

In the 57kg Male Division, Israel’s Ruach Gordan engaged in a fierce contest with France’s Darren Rolland. Gordan’s relentless focus and tenacity carried him to victory, preserving his hopes of a gold medal.

The 86kg Male Division featured a dominant performance by Moldova’s Artiom Livadari. Applying constant pressure and strategic control, Livadari outmatched China’s Chengcheng Zhang to claim his spot in the final.

Muaythai’s semi-finals at The World Games 2025 demonstrated why the sport continues to captivate audiences globally. With its unique blend of athleticism, artistry, and cultural heritage, Muaythai created an electrifying atmosphere that confirmed its status as an Olympic-recognized discipline.