ONE Partners With SportCares To Host Muay Thai Workshop For Youth

ONE Championship recently partnered with SportCares, the statutory board of the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, to conduct a Muay Thai clinic for Singaporean children.

Last Monday, 18 November, ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion Nong-O Gaiyanghadao and lightweight contender Amir Khan demonstrated basic Muay Thai techniques to the youth in attendance at the Singapore Sports Hub.

By engaging them in pad work, ONE Championship and SportCares hope the youth will be encouraged to explore the benefits of physical activity and martial arts.

“Many of these kids have a lot of issues to deal with, and martial arts training is a good way to channel all the negative energies into something meaningful and productive,” Khan says.

“I have built the habit where I can go to the gym whenever I’m feeling down or stressed out. I want them to see there are other ways to cope with their struggles.”

Nong-O and Khan also shared their respective stories of overcoming adversity in an exclusive Q&A session with the youth.

Khan, who was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome during his childhood, experienced bullying in school because of his condition. However, he found strength and purpose through martial arts, overcame his difficulties, and later became a Muay Thai Champion.

Most of the youth, who come from difficult circumstances and underprivileged families, were able to find common ground with their local sporting hero.

“Many of these kids, they find it easier to relate to me and my story because I am from Singapore — I’m local, born and bred,” Khan explains.

“I used to be very shy and even when I was bullied, I wouldn’t stand up for myself. I learned to find confidence through martial arts, and the important thing is to find the courage and stand up for yourself. These are skills that everyone should learn.”

A relatable figure to many present, Khan’s background mirrored many of the youths’ own struggles.

The 25-year-old lightweight contender hopes his story can continue to inspire children to make strides in their respective lives, adopt positive habits, and learn that they can overcome their difficulties through hard work and self-belief.

“Sometimes I ask myself, ‘What am I fighting for?’ And I feel as though I am also fighting for these youths because I want to be an example for them,” he states.

“If someone like me can succeed, they know they can succeed. I always aspire to show them that as Singaporeans, we can also achieve at a high level.”

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