Ambassador of Thailand to Senegal Meets President of the Senegalese National Olympic Committee to Promote Muay Thai Cooperation during the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games

On 22 July 2026, H.E. Ms. Nipa NIRANNOOT, Ambassador-designate of the Kingdom of Thailand to the Republic of Senegal, met with Mr. Mamadou Diagna NDIAYE, President of the National Olympic and Sports Committee of Senegal (CNOSS) and President of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games Organising Committee, to discuss cooperation in promoting youth sports through Muay Thai activities during the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, which will be held in Dakar from 13 October to 31 November 2026. Mr. Papa Abdou Karim DIOP, President of the Senegal Muay Thai Association, also participated in the meeting.

The Ambassador congratulated Senegal on becoming the first African country to host an Olympic event and reaffirmed Thailand’s commitment to strengthening Thailand–Senegal relations at the people-to-people level by promoting sports diplomacy as a means of fostering friendship and mutual understanding between the peoples of the two countries. She also highlighted Thailand’s extensive experience in hosting major international sporting events, including the 33rd Southeast Asian Games held last year, as well as the growing popularity of Muay Thai in Senegal, where there are currently 17 Muay Thai gyms nationwide. In June 2026, the Senegal Muay Thai Association successfully organised the country’s first National Muay Thai Championship.

On this occasion, the Ambassador proposed organising Muay Thai demonstration and training activities for youth during the Youth Olympic Games, particularly within the Youth Olympic Village, with a view to promoting Thailand’s martial art and cultural heritage. The proposed programme would include demonstrations and introductory training on the Wai Kru ceremony, fundamental Muay Thai techniques (Mae Mai Muay Thai), and exhibition matches, providing athletes and young participants from around the world with an opportunity to experience Muay Thai firsthand.

Mr. NDIAYE welcomed Thailand’s proposal and expressed his readiness to work closely with the Royal Thai Embassy in Dakar and relevant sports authorities to bring the initiative to fruition. He noted that showcasing Muay Thai during the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games would enrich the cultural diversity of the Games while providing Senegalese youth and athletes with a valuable opportunity to learn about Thailand’s national sport and traditional martial art.