The Moldovan Muaythai Federation, in cooperation with its Ukrainian counterpart, could host an international muaythai tournament. The National Muaythai Federation is currently discussing this opportunity with their colleagues from Ukraine.
During a press conference at IPN, Federation vice president and coach Andrei Grosu stated that the possibility of organizing an international muaythai tournament is under examination. It could be organized in partnership with support from Ukraine, since, according to the coach, the Ukrainian organization is strong in this sport.
During the press conference, National Muaythai Federation president Artur Grosu presented the achievements of Moldovan athletes at the World Junior Muaythai Championship that took place on August 2-10, in Thailand, Bangkok. Moldovan athletes have brought home one gold medal, two silver, and four bronze medals. Moldova ended up 11th out of 86 countries in the final team ranking.
One of the medalists is a debutante; Vladimir Ogornicov won gold in his first championship. Athletes David Chiperi, who is a second-time contestant, and Marius Covali who has participated for the third time, have won silver medals, as in previous years. Gheorghe Pleșca, Liviu Titică, Igor Duca, and Andrei Avramov, one of the youngest members of the team, have brought home the bronze.
Having just returned home, the athletes already have plans for the next Championship, which will take place next summer, in Antalya, at the end of June. In the meantime, the athletes will participate, at the end of August, at the Black Sea Cup in Odessa, Ukraine. Furthermore, they plan to compete in the similar sport of K1, namely in the European K1 Championship that will take place at the beginning of October.
Muaythai is a national Thai sport. It is a fighting style developed from traditional Thai martial arts, and involves punching, kicking, and striking with elbows and knees. For a day-by-day report on the World Championship, visit the official website of the National Muaythai Federation at www.muaythai.md.