Muay Thai gains momentum in Nepal

“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