Student Ahmad Hilal wins gold medal in 2023 Muaythai World Championships

Ahmad Hilal, student in the Department of Physical Education, earned a gold medal for the second time in a row at the 2023 IFMA Muaythai World Championships. Organized by the International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA), the contest was held on May 4-13, 2023, in Bangkok, Thailand.

Hilal won against an American opponent in the 86kg category while competing with the Palestinian Muaythai Federation. Fellow students Amir Omleh and Dana Akef won the bronze medal. Prior to the championship, the Palestinian federation participated in a boot camp with the Thai team.

Known as the “Art of eight limbs,” Muaythai is the national sport of Thailand. With its origins dating back hundreds of years, it is a combat sport that utilizes the entire body. Competitors use a combination of fists, elbows, knees and shins to knock out their opponent.