Prince’s Cup 2012

Prince’s Cup is a very special occasion in the Muaythai world. This year, the World Muaythai Council (WMC), the governing body for the sport of Muaythai under the directive of the Royal Thai Government; the International Federation of Muaythai Amateur (IFMA), the world governing body for amateur Muaythai, recognised by SportAccord and the Olympic Council of Asia, set to take Muaythai to the highest level of sporting recognition; the Amateur Muaythai Association of Thailand (AMTAT), the sole national Muaythai association in Thailand, under patronage of HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn and the Bangkok Metropolitan Authority (BMA) have joined forces to organize a 3 day event in honour of HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn’s 60th birthday.

The BMA and WMC signed an MOU two years ago, for the promotion of all aspects of Muaythai in the Bangkok area, not just for competition, but also as an integral part of a healthy life style. The Prince’s Cup event will be held over three days, from the 25th-27th of July at The Mall Bangkapi. The 25th and 26th will see thousands of children participating in Muay Aerobic, Na-ta Muaythai, Muay Boran, and many other competitions, including a contest for musicians.
The final day will see the finals of all the children’s competitions, plus the Prince’s Cup Tournament, where the best four middleweights will fight for the highest honour, to become the Prince’s Cup champion. Competitions have already started all over Thailand, which is in line with the WMC and IFMA campaign “Muaythai against Drugs” and “Sport Is Your Gang”, which aim to take kids from the streets and through Muaythai, teach them some of life’s fundamental aspects, such as respect and honour.

At the press conference head table, Bangkok’s Deputy Governor Mrs. Taya Teepsuwan highlighted that children are our future in her speech. She said that this was a wonderful opportunity to showcase the sport and art of Muaythai, a vital part of Thailand’s beautiful heritage and vibrant traditions.

Speaking next, General Chetta Thanajaro, President of the WMC, reaffirmed that Muaythai is continuing strong in its goal of reaching the highest level of sporting recognition. Dr. Sakchye Tapsuwan, President of IFMA, introduced young Muaythai performers who both entertained and impressed the crowd with a glimpse of what the Prince’s Cup holds in store.

The first demonstration was a quartet of two girls and two boys who practiced Muay Aerobic. Next, a quartet of girls demonstrated Na-ta Muaythai. Four musicians then played music, demonstrating the songs that will be played at Prince’s Cup. The musicians continued to play as the wai khru was performed by two young boys who are students at the Saturday class established by HE General Pichitr Kullavanijaya. They were followed by two young men from Siam Yut Gym in Petchaburi who put on a fantastic display of Muay Boran. Students from Bangkok Sports School had been invited to the press conference as a special treat, and they couldn’t help but leave their seats to crowd up near the front of the room to watch all the demonstrations. Only three weeks to go until Prince’s Cup!