On 27 September 2026, the Royal Thai Embassy in Dakar, in collaboration with the Muay Thai Association in Senegal, and with the support of the International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA) and the National Olympic Committee of Senegal (CNOSS), organised a series of activities to promote and raise awareness of Muay Thai among Senegalese and foreign residents in Senegal. The activities included a Muay Thai training session, the Muay Thai Ambassador’s Cup, and the Muay Thai Championship for school and university students, held at the Olympic Club in Dakar. The event was organised in support of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, scheduled to take place from 31 October to 13 November 2026.

On this occasion, H.E. Ms. Nipa NIRANNOOT, Ambassador-Designate of Thailand to Senegal presided over the opening ceremony and highlighted the importance of promoting Muay Thai among Senegalese youth, as well as its value as a sport that reflects Thai culture and promotes discipline, respect, gratitude, friendship and solidarity. The Ambassador expressed appreciation to the Government of Senegal, relevant authorities and local government for their support in making the event possible. The Ambassador also reaffirmed the Royal Thai Embassy’s commitment to supporting the continued development of Muay Thai in Senegal and to promoting the sport as a bridge for friendship, cultural exchange and people-to-people relations between Thailand and Senegal, as well as with countries across West Africa.

The programme featured: (1) a Muay Thai Training Session led by Mr. Stephan FOX, Secretary General of the International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA), which was open to Senegalese youth and foreign residents in Senegal (2) a demonstration of the 15 Mae Mai Muay Thai techniques by Senegalese Muay Thai athletes (3) a Wai Kru demonstration by Senegalese youth (4) three bouts of the Muay Thai Ambassador’s Cup (5) 21 bouts of the Muay Thai Championship for school and university students and (6) a photo session with AYO the lion mascot of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.

The event was a great success, attracting approximately 100 participants and guests, including the Special Adviser to the President of the Republic of Senegal on Sports, the Inspector General for Popular Education, Youth and Sports, the Mayor of Bargny, the Director-General for Sports and Youth Activities of the Ministry of Education of Senegal, the Chief Executive Officer of United Through Sports (UTS), the Ambassadors of Indonesia, Malaysia and Türkiye, representatives of Asian Embassies in Dakar, Senegalese students and university students, members of the public, and members of the media.