MANGALORE: Another IPL templated leagues is set to debut – the Pro Muaythai League. Or so the organisers would like to believe.
Balakrishna Shetty, the Mumbai-based national head coach for Muaythai (Thai boxing), in the country, who is supervising preparations for the Senior National Muaythai Championship, told Hindu Businessline that the potential will be huge for this martial art form, IF (emphasis ours) India is able to produce a national hero.
Stating that pro league format helps create a platform for Muaythai enthusiasts in India, he told the business daily: “Once we see they are experienced, seasoned fighters, then we will start sending them to international events, or we will invite international fighters to India. This (event) is just a start.”
Rajgopal Rai, president of Muaythai Association of Karnataka (MAK), said that MAK will organise Senior National Muaythai Championship and Pro-India Muaythai League here from November 20-24.
Around 450 participants from 27 States in the country will be participating in the national championship. Referees from the National Muaythai Association will conduct the event in Mangaluru, Rai said.
Shetty said the first four days of the event will be for amateur format. The final day will be dedicated to Pro Muaythai League. The winners will be awarded the titles in their respective categories, he added.
Quick question? In what form or shape does a one day event classify as a league?
