Muay Thai gains momentum in Nepal
“Muay Thai fighters are so strong, they can knock down a tree with a single kick.”
Gymkhana, with the help of Nepal National Muay Thai Association, organised the first semi-professional competition and plans more in the future.
While still a child Rahul Moktan heard his father talking about the Thai sport of Muay Thai, which has since paved his way to pursue the sport. A young Moktan wanted to become a Muay Thai fighter himself and now has over 10 years of Muay Thai experience.
“Yes, a Muay Thai fighter can bring down a tree. But it has got to be a small lean banana tree. Not the big ones I believed during my childhood.”
“I didn’t plan to go pursue Muay Thai but I was good at sports and was fascinated especially by the martial arts.”
Edgar Noosdanus, a Dutch national trained Moktan and also suggested he go to Thailand – the country of origin of Muay Thai – for proper training. Since his intensive training in Thailand there has been no turning back.
In 2014, he returned to Nepal and started Gymkhana Muay Thai in 2017. Moktan now trains Muay Thai fighters at Gymkhana. His fitness centre recently organised its first Muay Thai and boxing competition and received rave reviews.
Twelve fighters took part in three different weight categories – 60, 65, 70 kilogram – in semi-professional five-round bouts.
“Any combat sports in dangerous so we thought about getting permission from the governing body. We informed about our intention to the sports governing body — Nepal National Muay Thai Association — and got the green light,” said Moktan.
He now hopes such tournaments will give a proper platform to aspiring Nepalese Muay Thai fighters.
Moktan, however, believes it’s still tough to give Muay Thai a professional touch in Nepal.
“Whatever tournaments are organised in the country, they are still amateur events. Such amateur tournaments won’t help much in the popularity of the sport. Fighters don’t have a financial incentive or motivation to pursue it for long.”
“But now the national association take athletes to Thailand which helps grow their game. The sport is gradually finding it’s foothold across the country.”
President of Nepal National Muay Thai Association Ganesh Lal Kakshyapati says Muay Thai needs a greater fan base to help it gain greater heights.
“We see fans flocking the airport every time the Nepali football or cricket teams fare well abroad at international tournaments. But whenever we (Muay Thai athletes) win big and return home, we hardly see anyone at the airport to welcome us back.”
We may lag behind in terms of infrastructure but what we lack is the support from the public. People still don’t understand Muay Thai well. They believe it a kind of karate or taekwondo. There is a need to clear this misconception about the sport.”
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Kathmandu Post
