2022 Sports Picture Story

A portrait of Sakinat in the sports arena, where archery training takes place

Sakinat and her daughter Fatima on the way to training, Sakinat on the go talking on the phone

Sakinat during archery

Sakinat inspects the targets after archery

Sakinat during archery, she holds the bow with her foot

Portrait of Sakinat at her house

Sakinat and her daughter Fatima watch TV at home in the evening

Sakinat during a video message on social networks. Sakinat actively conducts social networks

Sakinat pours hot water into two glasses

A portrait of Sakinat in her bedroom

Sakinat during a walk on the shore of the Caspian Sea

Sakinat during a workout in the gym

TOKYO, JAPAN - SEPTEMBER 02: Gold medalist Marlene Gansewinkel of the Netherlands runs to win the Women's 100m - T64 Semi-Final of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games at Olympic Stadium on September 2, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. The 2018 Dutch Paralympian of the Year, Gansewinkel was born without her lower left leg and lower left arm, and went on to win gold in the 100M & 200m, as well as a bronze in the long jump in Tokyo 2020.

The athletes run over the symbol of the Paralympic Games the agitos meaning “I move" in Latin and is a symbol of movement in the shape of an asymmetrical crescent. The shape also symbolises the Paralympic vision "To enable Paralympic athletes to achieve sporting excellence and inspire and excite the world".

TOKYO, JAPAN - SEPTEMBER 1: Alexa Szvitacs of Team Hungary serves the ball during the Women's Doubles table tennis match at Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium during the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games on September 1, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. The 29-year-old, Szvitacs was an elite table tennis player for Hungary, a familiar face on the ITTF circuit for many years. But in the summer of 2018, she was affected by an illness that resulted in life-threatening complications, and the loss of her left forearm and parts of both feet. Competing at only her second Para table tennis competition, the 2019 European Championships in September in Helsingbord, Sweden; she won gold in the women's singles class 9 category and a coveted qualifying spot at the Paralympic Games in Tokyo next year.

For Hungary's Alexa Szvitacs, Para table tennis had given her hope that she could still compete in her sport at a high level.

Jessica Long of the USA dives into the water for her final Paralympic swim of her career and golf medal in the Women’s 100M Butterfly - S8 - Final during the Tokyo Paralympic Games on September 3, 2021. Adopted by American parents at the age of 13 months from a Russian foster care after her parents abandoned her, Jessica Long had her lower legs amputated when she was 18 months because of fibular hemimelia. Now at 29 years of age, Jessica Long has gone to 5 Paralympics, winning 29 medals, 16 of them gold, making her one of the most successful Paralympians in history.

TOKYO, JAPAN - SEPTEMBER 03: Josia Tim Alexander Topf of Team Germany takes his final breathe coming into the wall to finish the Men's 200m Freestyle - S3 Heat 1 on day 10 of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games at Tokyo Aquaticss Center on September 03, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan.

Topf was born with dysmelia, a congenital limb deficiency, resulting in him missing joints in all four limbs, with only hands and shortened legs coming from his torso. His father taught him to swim at age five. “Swimming improves my health condition. I am much more free in the water than on land, I can do whatever I want - spin, turn, twist. Whatever I want to do [in the water], I can do it."

Brent Lakatos of Canada competes in the rain during the men's 800M T53 Final during the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo on September 5, 2021. When Lakatos was six years-old a freak ice-skating accident resulted in the formation of a blood clot on his spine that left his legs paralyzed. Lakatos has represented Canada at three Summer Paralympics, and at the 2012 Games he won three silver medals in the sprint and mid-distance events. In 2013 Lakatos reached the pinnacle of his sport when he collected four gold medals at the IPC Athletics World Championships and became world champion at his classification in the 100m, 200m and 400m events.
The T53 class includes people with a number of different types of disabilities including spinal cord injuries, that have full use of their arms but have no or limited trunk function.

TOKYO, JAPAN - SEPTEMBER 03: Blind runner Liu Cuiqing of China prepares to start by having her guide place her in the starting block during the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games at Olympic Stadium on September 3, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. Chinese sprinter Liu Cuiqing broke her own Paralympic record to become champion at the women's 400m T11 Finals. Liu said she could not have achieved her 56.25-second finish without Xu Donglin, the guide runner she describes as “literally my eyes”. After earning her gold medal in the women’s 400m T11, Liu went on to take silver in the 100m T11.

Jessica Long of the USA reacts to her final Paralympic swim of her career and golf medal in the Women’s 100M Butterfly - S8 - Final during the Tokyo Paralympic Games on September 3, 2021. Adopted by American parents at the age of 13 months from a Russian foster care after her parents abandoned her, Jessica Long had her lower legs amputated when she was 18 months because of fibular hemimelia. Now at 29 years of age, Jessica Long has gone to 5 Paralympics, winning 29 medals, 16 of them gold, making her one of the most successful Paralympians in history.

TOKYO, JAPAN - SEPTEMBER 05: Jorge Sanchez #1 of Team United States celebrates after defeating Team Japan during the men's Wheelchair Basketball gold medal game on day 12 of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games at Ariake Arena on September 05, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan.

TOKYO, JAPAN - SEPTEMBER 05: Two-Time Wheelchair basketball Gold Medalist Brian Bell #8 of Team United States celebrates by climbing the ladder and doing the traditional cutting down the net after defeating Team Japan during the men's Wheelchair Basketball gold medal game on day 12 of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games at Ariake Arena on September 05, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. Bell lost his leg at the age of 10 due to a train accident, but immediately after rehabilitation got involved again with playing his favorite sports: basketball and football.

Damian Lopez Alfonzo of Cuba competes in the Men’s C1-3 Road Race completing 79.2km in heavy rain and fog during the Tokyo Paralympic Games on September 2, 2021. When Alfonzo was 13 he was involved in a horrible accident, a building explosion that blew out power lines, sending 13,000 volts surged through Alfonso’s body, melting his face, arms, and leg. He was on life support for 52 days, in critical condition for three months. But when he recovered he engineered a bike he could ride with his disabilities and began competing in races.

Abdelhadi El Harti of Morocco runs past the entrance of Zojoji temple in the men's marathon T46 event during the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo on September 5, 2021. Abdelhadi El Harti of Morocco runs past the entrance of Zojoji temple in the men's marathon T46 event during the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo on September 5, 2021. Harti was born with a limb deficiency (left arm) but that never held him back from competition. He has competed in able-bodied athletics, and placed 26th at the 2016 Marrakech Marathon in Morocco and speaks three languages.

TOKYO, JAPAN - SEPTEMBER 01: Trenten Merrill of Team United States reacts after winning the bronze medal after competing in the Men's Long Jump - T64 Final on day 8 of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games at Olympic Stadium on September 01, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan.
Trenten grew up surfing, playing soccer, and riding dirt bikes. While riding as a passenger on his friend’s dirt bike, a car struck them, injuring them both. That accident led to the amputation of Trenten's right leg, just below his knee. Under the care of his first prosthetist, he was encouraged him to attend an Ossur Challenged Athletes Foundation sponsored running clinic for athletes. As a result of attending that clinic, he decided to pursue a career as a track and field athlete. After participating on the track and field teams at Saddleback College and Azusa Pacific University, he made his Team USA debut at the 2015 IPC Athletics World Championships. Just a year later he finished 4th in the Long Jump at the Rio Paralympic Games. Trenten is currently the American record holder in long jump for his classification.

Chesse da Chosen One of Ecorse, Michigan walks back towards the ring from taking a break in front of an abandoned home after defeating Ruben Gonzalez of Lincoln Park, Michigan in a title fight on a hot summer day on Sunday, June 6, 2021, during a Pick Your Poison Detroit event in Detroit's Delray neighborhood. Chesse retained the D-Mike Southwest Guns Down Boxing League belt he won after previously beating Gonzalez's brother.

Cody Baker of Battle Creek, Michigan gets his gloves ready before taking on an opponent during a Pick Your Poison Detroit event in Detroit's Delray neighborhood on Sunday July 18, 2021.

Dwayne Taylor of Lincoln Park, Michigan moves out of the way while refereeing a fight inside a of a makeshift ring placed in the middle of the street during a Pick Your Poison Detroit event in Detroit's Delray neighborhood on Sunday, July 18, 2021.

Keith Bullock (left) of Detroit, Michigan reacts to taking a punch from Darryol Humphrey of Flint, Michigan during a boxing match at a Pick Your Poison Detroit event in Detroit's Delray neighborhood on Sunday, August 8, 2021. "It's more than fighting. It's friends getting together and having a good time," said Keith Bullock of Detroit, who said he has had family that had been killed in the neighborhood. "ItÕs a positive outlet. It's a bunch of friends and family putting together entertainment for the community."

"Got my eye busted last time. Got my nose busted this time," said Keith Bullock, of Detroit as he uses a tissue to dry blood following a fight during a Pick Your Poison Detroit event in Detroit's Delray neighborhood on Sunday, June 6, 2021. Bullock ofter takes part in multiple matches.

Dwayne Taylor (center) of Lincoln Park, Michigan holds his head down with family and friends while attending a vigil outside of a family business in Detroit, Michigan for his cousin William Chavois on Friday, June 4, 2021, who was shot multiple times and killed outside of Society Detroit club. "It makes me want to go harder. A lot of people can't just fight and get their ass whooped. They're quick to pull a gun and take somebodies life. They don't even think twice before they do it," said Taylor about continuing to hold his Pick Your Poison Detroit boxing events as an alternative for people to avoid gun violence.

Dwayne Taylor (left) of Lincoln Park, Michigan moves to pull Jarid Jackson (center) of Wayne, Michigan off of Austin Lajiness of Detroit, Michigan during a heated bare knuckle fight while settling their long time beef with each other during a Pick Your Poison Detroit event in Detroit's Delray neighborhood on Sunday, June 19, 2021. The fight was called in favor of Jackson after being broken up multiple times. The two shook hands ending their eight year beef with each other and watched the rest of the fights without incident. "Everybody come out here with a winning attitude. Whether they win, lose or draw they be getting their ass kicked and they be like yeah I'm coming back for the next one," said Taylor.

Women have their hair braided in the street while waiting to watch fights during a Pick Your Poison Detroit event in Detroit's Delray neighborhood on Sunday, June 19, 2021.

A bloodied Justin Thomas (left) of Lincoln Park, Michigan fights against Dwayne Taylor (right) of Lincoln Park, Michigan in the street during a Pick Your Poison Detroit event in Detroit's Delray neighborhood on Sunday, June 19, 2021. The fight was stopped due to the bleeding from Thomas's nose that Taylor helped stop from bleeding.

Dwayne Taylor of Lincoln Park, Michigan puts on boxing gloves with his daughter Niyah Taylor as she looks to challenge him while waiting for people to show up for the start of a Pick Your Poison Detroit event run by Taylor in Detroit's Delray neighborhood on Sunday, May 16, 2021. "She likes it. She loves boxing," said Taylor, about his daughter who often accompanies him to the events getting the chance to play with the gloves against other children brought by their parents.

Jose Barba of Detroit, Michigan takes a rest in his truck as his friends watch his fight they recorded on their phone after a hard fought win over his opponent during a Pick Your Poison Detroit event in Detroit's Delray neighborhood on Sunday, June 19, 2021. "It's not about win or lose. It's all about respect. Don't expect to win. Go for it," said Barba. "That's how you win. Come out and get your ass kicked."

Northeast Thailand or Isaan region, Surin,
Fighters gather to be paired off before a competition in Surin. Weigh-ins take place a day before the fight or on the same day to ensure that the fighters meet the respective weight classes. An attendant weighs each fighter and writes the number (in kilos) on their chest. Then a specialist pairs the combatants according to weight, age and experience to ensure a less dangerous and more interesting fight. 


Far from Thailand’s iconic tourist destinations, Isaan, the kingdom’s largest region, reaches north and east to the borders of Laos and Cambodia. Poverty forces many residents to seek work in Bangkok, but fearing the temptations of city life (drugs, gangs, sex trade…), children are often left behind under the care of grandparents. 

To keep them out of trouble, and with the prospect of earning money to support the family, kids are enrolled in Muay Thai (the traditional martial art of Thai boxing that is the country’s national sport) as early as 5, and can be competing by 6-7 years old.
Training camps (2500 in Isaan and 1200 in Bangkok) are schools of life filled with deprivation, discipline and respect for fellow combatants. Every story is similar, the kids dream of one day fighting on TV, building a house for their parents and defending the pride of their community, while gym owners, trainers and families rely heavily on their earnings.
Betting is fierce and the pressure on the children is palpable. Few will become champions, but for poor kids with limited options, Muay Thai is a way to meet the cultural expectation of helping their families and a chance at a better life.

In July 2021, the IOC recognized Muay Thai as an Olympic sport. It promises to be a baptism by fire at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games for many young fighters who are now starting to dream not only of money, but also of medals and glory.

Northeast Thailand or Isaan region, Buriram,
Before the afternoon training, Sommao or Sor Puang Tong (10 years old) is taking a nap with his teddy bears at the gym where he lives and trains in Buriram. He left his family home at the age of 5 to practice Muay Thai. He was 7 in the picture above his bed when he won his first championship. In December 2021, he won the IFMA world championship in his category and received 100,000 baht prize money from the Thai government. Following his win, Sommao joined the Thai Juniors national team.




Far from Thailand’s iconic tourist destinations, Isaan, the kingdom’s largest region, reaches north and east to the borders of Laos and Cambodia. Poverty forces many residents to seek work in Bangkok, but fearing the temptations of city life (drugs, gangs, sex trade…), children are often left behind under the care of grandparents. 

To keep them out of trouble, and with the prospect of earning money to support the family, kids are enrolled in Muay Thai (the traditional martial art of Thai boxing that is the country’s national sport) as early as 5, and can be competing by 6-7 years old.
Training camps (2500 in Isaan and 1200 in Bangkok) are schools of life filled with deprivation, discipline and respect for fellow combatants. Every story is similar, the kids dream of one day fighting on TV, building a house for their parents and defending the pride of their community, while gym owners, trainers and families rely heavily on their earnings.
Betting is fierce and the pressure on the children is palpable. Few will become champions, but for poor kids with limited options, Muay Thai is a way to meet the cultural expectation of helping their families and a chance at a better life.

In July 2021, the IOC recognized Muay Thai as an Olympic sport. It promises to be a baptism by fire at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games for many young fighters who are now starting to dream not only of money, but also of medals and glory.

Northeast Thailand or Isaan region, Surin, Elephant Festival,
The young fighters step into the ring for the sacred pre-match ritual dance called Wai Kru Ram Muay in which fighters pay respect to their trainers and family and bless themselves with anticipation of  victory. They wear a flower necklace around their neck (older fighters wear the Mongkon headdress). Often, the younger kids haven’t learned the full dances yet, so they just circle around the ring accompanied by the traditional, rhythmic Thai music known as Sarama.





Far from Thailand’s iconic tourist destinations, Isaan, the kingdom’s largest region, reaches north and east to the borders of Laos and Cambodia. Poverty forces many residents to seek work in Bangkok, but fearing the temptations of city life (drugs, gangs, sex trade…), children are often left behind under the care of grandparents. 

To keep them out of trouble, and with the prospect of earning money to support the family, kids are enrolled in Muay Thai (the traditional martial art of Thai boxing that is the country’s national sport) as early as 5, and can be competing by 6-7 years old.
Training camps (2500 in Isaan and 1200 in Bangkok) are schools of life filled with deprivation, discipline and respect for fellow combatants. Every story is similar, the kids dream of one day fighting on TV, building a house for their parents and defending the pride of their community, while gym owners, trainers and families rely heavily on their earnings.
Betting is fierce and the pressure on the children is palpable. Few will become champions, but for poor kids with limited options, Muay Thai is a way to meet the cultural expectation of helping their families and a chance at a better life.

In July 2021, the IOC recognized Muay Thai as an Olympic sport. It promises to be a baptism by fire at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games for many young fighters who are now starting to dream not only of money, but also of medals and glory.

Northeast Thailand or Isaan region, Surin, Elephant Festival,
The gamblers wave their arms frenetically. Each hand and finger gesture corresponds to a bet. Gambling is an integral part of Muay Thai with families, gyms, trainers and spectators all betting heavily. It is an estimated 40 billion baht per year business and Muay Thai would probably not survive without gambling.





Far from Thailand’s iconic tourist destinations, Isaan, the kingdom’s largest region, reaches north and east to the borders of Laos and Cambodia. Poverty forces many residents to seek work in Bangkok, but fearing the temptations of city life (drugs, gangs, sex trade…), children are often left behind under the care of grandparents. 

To keep them out of trouble, and with the prospect of earning money to support the family, kids are enrolled in Muay Thai (the traditional martial art of Thai boxing that is the country’s national sport) as early as 5, and can be competing by 6-7 years old.
Training camps (2500 in Isaan and 1200 in Bangkok) are schools of life filled with deprivation, discipline and respect for fellow combatants. Every story is similar, the kids dream of one day fighting on TV, building a house for their parents and defending the pride of their community, while gym owners, trainers and families rely heavily on their earnings.
Betting is fierce and the pressure on the children is palpable. Few will become champions, but for poor kids with limited options, Muay Thai is a way to meet the cultural expectation of helping their families and a chance at a better life.

In July 2021, the IOC recognized Muay Thai as an Olympic sport. It promises to be a baptism by fire at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games for many young fighters who are now starting to dream not only of money, but also of medals and glory.

Northeast Thailand or Isaan region, Surin, Elephant Festival,
Two 10-year-old fighters in the 22 kg category engage in a merciless 3 round fight. Each round lasts for 2 minutes with 2 breaks of 1 minute. Also known as the art of eight limbs, Muay Thai fighters use fists, shins, elbows, and knees as weapons for striking. Most fighters come from the poorest regions in Thailand where Muay Thai provides a way out of poverty for some. Kids starting out earn 300-500 baht ($10-$16) per fight. Given the high-stakes betting that dominates the sport, they can earn more in one fight than their parents can earn cultivating rice in a year.



Far from Thailand’s iconic tourist destinations, Isaan, the kingdom’s largest region, reaches north and east to the borders of Laos and Cambodia. Poverty forces many residents to seek work in Bangkok, but fearing the temptations of city life (drugs, gangs, sex trade…), children are often left behind under the care of grandparents. 

To keep them out of trouble, and with the prospect of earning money to support the family, kids are enrolled in Muay Thai (the traditional martial art of Thai boxing that is the country’s national sport) as early as 5, and can be competing by 6-7 years old.
Training camps (2500 in Isaan and 1200 in Bangkok) are schools of life filled with deprivation, discipline and respect for fellow combatants. Every story is similar, the kids dream of one day fighting on TV, building a house for their parents and defending the pride of their community, while gym owners, trainers and families rely heavily on their earnings.
Betting is fierce and the pressure on the children is palpable. Few will become champions, but for poor kids with limited options, Muay Thai is a way to meet the cultural expectation of helping their families and a chance at a better life.

In July 2021, the IOC recognized Muay Thai as an Olympic sport. It promises to be a baptism by fire at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games for many young fighters who are now starting to dream not only of money, but also of medals and glory.

Northeast Thailand or Isaan region, Surin, Elephant Festival,
The coaches and trainers prepare Phoom Khaosod, a 6-year-old boy from Surin, who is competing in the 22 kg category. His team places a mat on the floor next to the ring, applies oil to his body and wraps his hands with tape and bandages. At his age he has already competed 13 times; 6 wins, 5 losses, 2 draws.



Far from Thailand’s iconic tourist destinations, Isaan, the kingdom’s largest region, reaches north and east to the borders of Laos and Cambodia. Poverty forces many residents to seek work in Bangkok, but fearing the temptations of city life (drugs, gangs, sex trade…), children are often left behind under the care of grandparents. 

To keep them out of trouble, and with the prospect of earning money to support the family, kids are enrolled in Muay Thai (the traditional martial art of Thai boxing that is the country’s national sport) as early as 5, and can be competing by 6-7 years old.
Training camps (2500 in Isaan and 1200 in Bangkok) are schools of life filled with deprivation, discipline and respect for fellow combatants. Every story is similar, the kids dream of one day fighting on TV, building a house for their parents and defending the pride of their community, while gym owners, trainers and families rely heavily on their earnings.
Betting is fierce and the pressure on the children is palpable. Few will become champions, but for poor kids with limited options, Muay Thai is a way to meet the cultural expectation of helping their families and a chance at a better life.

In July 2021, the IOC recognized Muay Thai as an Olympic sport. It promises to be a baptism by fire at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games for many young fighters who are now starting to dream not only of money, but also of medals and glory.

Northeast Thailand or Isaan region, Surin, Elephant Festival,
In preparation, fighters sit on floor mats around the stadium to oil their bodies and hair and wrap their hands and wrists to minimize injuries. Reusable cloth wraps are used for training while gauze bandages and tape are used in competition. Two young fighters from the same gym stand ready to fight.





Far from Thailand’s iconic tourist destinations, Isaan, the kingdom’s largest region, reaches north and east to the borders of Laos and Cambodia. Poverty forces many residents to seek work in Bangkok, but fearing the temptations of city life (drugs, gangs, sex trade…), children are often left behind under the care of grandparents. 

To keep them out of trouble, and with the prospect of earning money to support the family, kids are enrolled in Muay Thai (the traditional martial art of Thai boxing that is the country’s national sport) as early as 5, and can be competing by 6-7 years old.
Training camps (2500 in Isaan and 1200 in Bangkok) are schools of life filled with deprivation, discipline and respect for fellow combatants. Every story is similar, the kids dream of one day fighting on TV, building a house for their parents and defending the pride of their community, while gym owners, trainers and families rely heavily on their earnings.
Betting is fierce and the pressure on the children is palpable. Few will become champions, but for poor kids with limited options, Muay Thai is a way to meet the cultural expectation of helping their families and a chance at a better life.

In July 2021, the IOC recognized Muay Thai as an Olympic sport. It promises to be a baptism by fire at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games for many young fighters who are now starting to dream not only of money, but also of medals and glory.

Northeast Thailand or Isaan region, Surin, Elephant Festival,
Two 9-year-old fighters in the 26 kg category engage in a merciless 3 round fight. Each round lasts 2 minutes with 2 breaks of 1 minute. The number of child boxers in Thailand is estimated between100 and 200,000, with some as young as four years old.



Far from Thailand’s iconic tourist destinations, Isaan, the kingdom’s largest region, reaches north and east to the borders of Laos and Cambodia. Poverty forces many residents to seek work in Bangkok, but fearing the temptations of city life (drugs, gangs, sex trade…), children are often left behind under the care of grandparents. 

To keep them out of trouble, and with the prospect of earning money to support the family, kids are enrolled in Muay Thai (the traditional martial art of Thai boxing that is the country’s national sport) as early as 5, and can be competing by 6-7 years old.
Training camps (2500 in Isaan and 1200 in Bangkok) are schools of life filled with deprivation, discipline and respect for fellow combatants. Every story is similar, the kids dream of one day fighting on TV, building a house for their parents and defending the pride of their community, while gym owners, trainers and families rely heavily on their earnings.
Betting is fierce and the pressure on the children is palpable. Few will become champions, but for poor kids with limited options, Muay Thai is a way to meet the cultural expectation of helping their families and a chance at a better life.

In July 2021, the IOC recognized Muay Thai as an Olympic sport. It promises to be a baptism by fire at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games for many young fighters who are now starting to dream not only of money, but also of medals and glory.

Northeast Thailand or Isaan region, Surin, Elephant Festival,
After the first round in the 23 Kg category, Poen Khon"s (8 years old) coach pours ice cold water over his head, massages his stomach and legs, and stretches his arms and ligaments while another trainer shouts advice and strategy.



Far from Thailand’s iconic tourist destinations, Isaan, the kingdom’s largest region, reaches north and east to the borders of Laos and Cambodia. Poverty forces many residents to seek work in Bangkok, but fearing the temptations of city life (drugs, gangs, sex trade…), children are often left behind under the care of grandparents. 

To keep them out of trouble, and with the prospect of earning money to support the family, kids are enrolled in Muay Thai (the traditional martial art of Thai boxing that is the country’s national sport) as early as 5, and can be competing by 6-7 years old.
Training camps (2500 in Isaan and 1200 in Bangkok) are schools of life filled with deprivation, discipline and respect for fellow combatants. Every story is similar, the kids dream of one day fighting on TV, building a house for their parents and defending the pride of their community, while gym owners, trainers and families rely heavily on their earnings.
Betting is fierce and the pressure on the children is palpable. Few will become champions, but for poor kids with limited options, Muay Thai is a way to meet the cultural expectation of helping their families and a chance at a better life.

In July 2021, the IOC recognized Muay Thai as an Olympic sport. It promises to be a baptism by fire at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games for many young fighters who are now starting to dream not only of money, but also of medals and glory.

Northeast Thailand or Isaan region, Surin, Elephant Festival,
A fight in the 29 Kg category between Apee Nan and Somai (both 9 years old). After too many hard blows, this young fighter does not want to continue. He receives the count from the referee ending the fight.




Far from Thailand’s iconic tourist destinations, Isaan, the kingdom’s largest region, reaches north and east to the borders of Laos and Cambodia. Poverty forces many residents to seek work in Bangkok, but fearing the temptations of city life (drugs, gangs, sex trade…), children are often left behind under the care of grandparents. 

To keep them out of trouble, and with the prospect of earning money to support the family, kids are enrolled in Muay Thai (the traditional martial art of Thai boxing that is the country’s national sport) as early as 5, and can be competing by 6-7 years old.
Training camps (2500 in Isaan and 1200 in Bangkok) are schools of life filled with deprivation, discipline and respect for fellow combatants. Every story is similar, the kids dream of one day fighting on TV, building a house for their parents and defending the pride of their community, while gym owners, trainers and families rely heavily on their earnings.
Betting is fierce and the pressure on the children is palpable. Few will become champions, but for poor kids with limited options, Muay Thai is a way to meet the cultural expectation of helping their families and a chance at a better life.

In July 2021, the IOC recognized Muay Thai as an Olympic sport. It promises to be a baptism by fire at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games for many young fighters who are now starting to dream not only of money, but also of medals and glory.

Northeast Thailand or Isaan region, Surin, Elephant Festival,
Between rounds, it is customary to lift a fighter up to stretch and refresh the body. This gives the fighters
a chance to shake out their legs and relax their muscles. Feeling light helps to energize the fighters mentally and physically.



Far from Thailand’s iconic tourist destinations, Isaan, the kingdom’s largest region, reaches north and east to the borders of Laos and Cambodia. Poverty forces many residents to seek work in Bangkok, but fearing the temptations of city life (drugs, gangs, sex trade…), children are often left behind under the care of grandparents. 

To keep them out of trouble, and with the prospect of earning money to support the family, kids are enrolled in Muay Thai (the traditional martial art of Thai boxing that is the country’s national sport) as early as 5, and can be competing by 6-7 years old.
Training camps (2500 in Isaan and 1200 in Bangkok) are schools of life filled with deprivation, discipline and respect for fellow combatants. Every story is similar, the kids dream of one day fighting on TV, building a house for their parents and defending the pride of their community, while gym owners, trainers and families rely heavily on their earnings.
Betting is fierce and the pressure on the children is palpable. Few will become champions, but for poor kids with limited options, Muay Thai is a way to meet the cultural expectation of helping their families and a chance at a better life.

In July 2021, the IOC recognized Muay Thai as an Olympic sport. It promises to be a baptism by fire at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games for many young fighters who are now starting to dream not only of money, but also of medals and glory.

Northeast Thailand or Isaan region, Surin, Elephant Festival,
A fight in the 22 Kg category between Jai Pit and Fai Man Gon (both 10 years old).
After too many hard blows, this young fighter, is scared and does not want to continue. He sits in the corner as he receives the count from the referee ending the fight.
At high risk for brain injuries and neurological disorders, legislation banning children under 12 from competition is pending approval.




Far from Thailand’s iconic tourist destinations, Isaan, the kingdom’s largest region, reaches north and east to the borders of Laos and Cambodia. Poverty forces many residents to seek work in Bangkok, but fearing the temptations of city life (drugs, gangs, sex trade…), children are often left behind under the care of grandparents. 

To keep them out of trouble, and with the prospect of earning money to support the family, kids are enrolled in Muay Thai (the traditional martial art of Thai boxing that is the country’s national sport) as early as 5, and can be competing by 6-7 years old.
Training camps (2500 in Isaan and 1200 in Bangkok) are schools of life filled with deprivation, discipline and respect for fellow combatants. Every story is similar, the kids dream of one day fighting on TV, building a house for their parents and defending the pride of their community, while gym owners, trainers and families rely heavily on their earnings.
Betting is fierce and the pressure on the children is palpable. Few will become champions, but for poor kids with limited options, Muay Thai is a way to meet the cultural expectation of helping their families and a chance at a better life.

In July 2021, the IOC recognized Muay Thai as an Olympic sport. It promises to be a baptism by fire at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games for many young fighters who are now starting to dream not only of money, but also of medals and glory.