Kickboxing children mark opening of Buddhist temple

Child athletes competed in kickboxing matches to mark the opening of a Buddhist temple in Thailand.

The 'Muay Thai Heritage Battle' boxing contest was held at the Wat Phai Lom temple in Nakhon Pathom province on September 15.

Fans of Muay Thai, the local version of kickboxing, flocked to watch the matches for free at the temple grounds, where a boxing ring had been set up. The highlight of the event was a fight between two aspiring young kickboxers, Petch Panniwat and Chatri Sit Luang Pee Namfon.

Footage shows the youngsters decked out in traditional Muay Thai gear as they fiercely exchanged blows to best their opponent. Chatri, seen in the video wearing black shorts, was declared the winner.

Temple abbott Luang Pee Namfon said: 'The competition aims to provide youth with valuable ways to spend their free time and to keep them away from drugs. The temple's committee includes several prominent Muay Thai boxers who will work to continuously develop and preserve the art of Muay Thai.

'We will coordinate to enforce the laws and rules of the sport strictly for children and the youth. We also plan to invite tourists' children who wish to have them trained in Thailand. This will help generate revenue for the country.'

Muay Thai was adapted from the Kun Khmer combat sport from neighbouring Cambodia. It incorporates both strikes and grappling moves for offense and defense. It is widely practiced both as a competitive sport and a form of self-defence.