Post by : Mariam
Al-Faris
Abu Dhabi is preparing to host the esteemed WAKO World Championship for Seniors and Masters in kickboxing from 21st to 30th November. Taking place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), the event will feature approximately 2,000 competitors from 150 countries.
This championship is being organized by the UAE Muay Thai and Kickboxing Federation in partnership with the World Association of Kickboxing Organizations (WAKO). Delegations from around the world will begin to arrive on 21st and 22nd November, with the grand opening ceremony set for 23rd November at 17:00 in ADNEC Hall 1. The ceremony will be open to the public, complying with all safety guidelines.
The primary championship events are scheduled from 24th to 29th November, featuring a variety of disciplines authorized by WAKO, including K1, Low Kick, Full Contact, Point Fighting, Light Contact, Kick Light, and additional ring and tatami events. The schedule also includes musical and artistic performance categories for Seniors and Masters, along with a Para Kickboxing segment for People of Determination, emphasizing inclusivity in the sport.
Initial days will consist of preliminary and qualifying competitions, leading up to the semi-finals, finals, and medal awards, particularly for the Masters category. Champions in all divisions will be officially recognized on 29th November as international delegations prepare to depart on 30th November.
Ali Khouri, Executive Board Member of WAKO and Board Member of the UAE Muay Thai and Kickboxing Federation, expressed the UAE's warm welcome to the global kickboxing community. He noted that the significant participation reflects international confidence in the UAE’s organizational capabilities and modern sporting facilities.
Khouri highlighted that the hosting of this championship enhances Abu Dhabi’s status as a premier destination for combat sports. He emphasized the event's continuation of the UAE’s legacy of hosting significant global sporting events, attracting athletes and fans from around the globe.
This championship promises exhilarating competition across all categories, while fostering sportsmanship, cultural exchange, and international collaboration. Attendees in Abu Dhabi will have the chance to see some of the world’s finest athletes triumphing at the highest levels, marking a significant occasion in the region’s combat sports landscape.
With action-packed bouts alongside artistic performances and Para Kickboxing, the 2025 WAKO World Championship is positioned to be one of the most inclusive and captivating sporting events in the UAE this year.
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