The US-based BKFC Martial Arts Federation and the Myanmar Traditional Lethwai Federation will hold BKFC Lethwai competitions in collaboration, according to the Myanmar Traditional Lethwai Federation. A seminar with traditional lethwai practitioners on the organization of BKFC Lethwai competitions was held at the Sky Star Hotel in Tamwe Township, Yangon on the morning of September 25.
This collaboration aims to promote Myanmar’s traditional Lethwei globally, transform it into a marketable sport with international appeal, enable Myanmar’s traditional fighters to compete in international-level competitions, and allow them to earn a livelihood through their expertise in this martial art.
In the upcoming BKFC boxing competitions, it has been preliminarily agreed between the BKFC Federation and the Myanmar Traditional Lethwei Federation that two of the four core principles of Lethwei that are unfamiliar in the West—fighting with bare knuckles and using headbutts—will not be used in international competitions, which will instead employ a points-based system. However, for BKFC matches held within Myanmar, it has been agreed to adhere to and practice all four core principles, according to U Wanna, an executive of the Myanmar Traditional Lethwei Federation.
Preliminary discussions have been held between BKFC and the Myanmar Traditional Lethwei Federation. If the Myanmar Olympic Committee grants approval, a formal contract will be signed between BKFC and the Myanmar Traditional Lethwei Federation. Subsequently, trial competitions will be held monthly under the name “Road to BKFC Lethwei,”. BKFC Lethwei events will be held every two months in various countries, and at least one major event will be organized annually in Myanmar, according to sources.
By holding such competitions, Myanmar traditional Lethwei will be known worldwide and competitions will be held in many countries, and it will also help in applying for recognition of traditional Lethwei as a UNESCO World Heritage Sport.
Furthermore, it is reported that Myanmar traditional lethwei athletes will have the opportunity to compete internationally according to standard global prize money structures. Additionally, Myanmar traditional lethwei fighters will receive player rankings. Domestically, free next-generation competitions will be held to continuously develop new young athletes, clubs will receive support, and retired veteran fighters will be provided with social, health, and welfare assistance. Domestic traditional lethwei competitions will also be sponsored. These are among the benefits expected to be realized.
