Why Muaythai Cannot Become An Olympic Sport – A Critical Commentary

Home ΑΘΛΗΤΙΚΑ Why Muaythai Cannot Become an Olympic Sport – A Critical Commentary

The debate surrounding the inclusion of Muaythai in the Olympic Games raises serious questions about the feasibility and ethics of such a prospect.

Despite its long-standing history and cultural significance, there are undeniable reasons why its inclusion in the Olympics is not only highly improbable but also misleading for young athletes aspiring to see the sport on the world’s biggest athletic stage.

Cultural Diversity and Competition in Southeast Asia?

Muaythai is undoubtedly intertwined with Thailand’s identity, but it is not unique as a martial art in Southeast Asia.

Other nations, such as Cambodia (Kun Khmer), Myanmar (Lethwei), Malaysia (Silat), and Vietnam (Vovinam), have equally esteemed martial arts that are recognized as significant cultural symbols and, in some cases, have been designated by UNESCO (kun Khmer) as intangible cultural heritage.

Promoting Muaythai as an Olympic sport would inevitably raise questions about cultural bias.

Why should Muaythai receive such a distinction over Kun Khmer or Lethwei or Vovinam?

How would the International Olympic Committee (IOC) handle the political and cultural tensions that would undoubtedly arise?

The inclusion of one martial art over others could be seen as cultural exclusion, upsetting the balance among countries in the region.

 The IOC Agenda its clear in the Moving Away from “Hard” Sports

As revealed through its strategic decisions, the IOC seems to be moving away from sports deemed “hard” or those involving significant injury risks.

A prime example is boxing, one of the oldest Olympic sports, whose position in the Olympics is now precarious.

The shift towards “softer” and more “accessible” sports, such as breakdancing, Cheerleading or climbing, indicates a clear change in priorities.

Muaythai, with its intensity and nature as a full-contact combat sport, contrasts sharply with these priorities.


Its inclusion would require significant changes to its rules and competition methods, thereby diluting its authenticity and traditional identity.

The Illusion of Olympic Prospects is one of the most dangerous aspects of this discussion is the false hope it fosters among young athletes.



The idea that Muaythai could become an Olympic sport creates a deceptive promise, motivating athletes to invest time, effort, and dreams into something that is not realistic.

The IOC’s recognition process is extremely demanding, with strict criteria such as global representation, organizational structure, and alignment with Olympic values.

The reality is that the path to the Olympic stage is long and fraught with obstacles.

Those who cultivate this idea among athletes either ignore the reality or exploit their aspirations.

The Loss of Cultural Identity is one of the most alarming trends in efforts to adapt Muaythai for Olympic inclusion is the removal of its ancestral dance, the “Wai Kru,” which is integral to its identity as a martial art.

This ceremonial dance not only reflects the spiritual and cultural roots of Muaythai but also embodies the essence of Thai heritage.

By eliminating this fundamental component, Muaythai immediately loses its cultural authenticity and transforms into a sport indistinguishable from kickboxing.



This erasure strips Muaythai of its uniqueness and reduces it to a commercialized combat sport, far removed from its origins.

Olympism and Its Values promotes the principles of fair play, peace, and cultural diversity. While Muaythai boasts a rich tradition, the sport’s emphasis on physical dominance and violence can be seen as contrary to the fundamental values of Olympism.

Even if transformed into a “softer” version, the loss of authenticity would alienate it from its rich history and turn it into a version that no longer represents its cultural wealth.

Muaythai is, and should remain, a vibrant expression of Thailand’s cultural heritage.

Its inclusion in the Olympic Games is not only highly unlikely but also incompatible with the IOC’s current directions. Instead of investing efforts in an uncertain and misleading prospect, Muaythai advocates should focus on preserving its authenticity and promoting it as a cultural phenomenon beyond the realm of Olympism.

Vangelis Xanthakis Ph.D.

Grand Master of MuayThai 

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