Abu dhabi: The UAE National Muay Thai Team has achieved a significant milestone by being crowned the leading Arab and Asian nation at the 2026 IFMA Senior World Championships in Kuala Lumpur. The team secured a total of six medals, comprising three gold and three silver, finishing fifth in the overall world rankings.
According to Emirates News Agency, this accomplishment marks one of the most successful international performances in the history of UAE Muay Thai. The result underscores the country's growing prominence on the global stage, showcasing the technical skills, composure, and fighting spirit of the national team throughout the competition.
Mohamed Mardi emerged as a standout athlete, clinching gold in the 67kg division and earning the title of Best Athlete of the Tournament, Category A. This accolade places him among the elite in world Muay Thai.
The gold medalists included Mohamed Mardi (67 kg), Emad Yousef (86 kg), and Ayoub Al Barnousi (67 kg). The silver medalists were Mohamed Touizi (54 kg), Yassine Karimi (60 kg), and Salama Al Junaidi in the Women's U-24, +75 kg category.
The successful medal tally is a testament to the UAE Muay Thai and Kickboxing Federation's rigorous preparation program. This program includes long-form training camps, international sparring, and a year-round domestic competition calendar aimed at honing athletes to world-championship standards.
Abdullah Saeed Al Neyadi, President of the UAE Muay Thai and Kickboxing Federation and Vice President of the International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA), highlighted the significance of the achievement. He stated, "Six medals, the top of the Arab and Asian standings, and fifth in the world. These are not isolated results. They are the outcome of years of disciplined preparation, of investment in coaching and refereeing, and of a competition system built to produce athletes ready for the highest levels of the sport. Mohamed Mardi's Best Athlete recognition is a moment of real pride for UAE Muay Thai, and a sign of where we are heading."
Al Neyadi further emphasized that the championship is a step forward in the UAE's growing combat sports legacy, fueled by the Federation's strategic vision and the dedication of its technical and administrative teams to elevate UAE athletes to global podiums.