Photo : Wenflou, CC0
The European Muay Thai Championships are being held in Paris from 17 to 25 October 2026 at the Halle Georges-Carpentier in the 13th arrondissement. The French Kickboxing, Muaythai and Associated Disciplines Federation (FFKMDA) is running the event under the international federation (IFMA) and the European federation (EMF). According to IFMA, 36 delegations and more than 1,000 athletes and officials had arrived in the French capital by 19 October. Entry is free for spectators, the FFKMDA says.
Paris last hosted these championships in 2017. Nine years on, France is the host again, with its national team competing on home soil. The FFKMDA has announced a full squad.
A broad programme, from fighting to tradition
The championships go beyond combat bouts. The programme includes combat Muay Thai in the Senior Elite and Under-24 categories, Muaythai Technical (a semi-contact format contested on tatami and IFMA's newest discipline), cultural events, and para and special categories. IFMA also announced Wai Kru events, the ritual dance performed before a fight, and Mai Muay, displays of traditional techniques, as well as an all-inclusive division. An opening ceremony with a parade of nations behind their flags is planned.
The stakes go further: these championships are a qualifier for next year's European Games in Istanbul, where Muay Thai is on the programme. EMF president Hasan Yildiz sees the record entry as a signal for those Games. Muay Thai joined the European Games in 2023 in Poland (Kraków and Małopolska) and was also on the programme of the 2025 World Games in Chengdu. For Europe's amateur fighters, a medal in Paris therefore counts in the race towards these multi-sport events.
A sport recognised by the IOC
IFMA, the international federation for amateur Muay Thai, is recognised by the International Olympic Committee. Amateur Muay Thai is fought with protective equipment and places weight on traditional rituals. FFKMDA president Nadir Allouache, who also sits on the EMF and IFMA executive boards, wished every athlete a safe and successful competition in a spirit of friendship and respect. IFMA director general Charissa Tynan highlighted the choice of Paris, host city of the 2024 Olympic Games.
For anyone in the Paris area, it is a chance to watch Europe's best amateur Muay Thai up close at no cost. Results will be published day by day by IFMA and the FFKMDA, and Sport-Fight.net will review the French medals after the finals.
Story written by our news agent from the cited source.
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