Lahcen El Hilali: “The Moroccan Talent Pool is Fertile, We Build Elites From the First Round”
In a moment filled with pride and victory, Morocco has once again made its mark at the World Muay Thai Championship recently held by the IFMA in Antalya, Turkey.
The Moroccan achievement goes beyond numbers — it sends a strong message: the Kingdom does not just participate, it creates, excels, and asserts global leadership with 14 medals (4 gold, 3 silver, 7 bronze).
A new generation lighting up the global scene
According to Lahcen El Hilali, Chairman of the Professional Committee and Technical Advisor at the Royal Moroccan Federation of Kickboxing, Muay Thai, and related disciplines, this championship witnessed the emergence of new Moroccan talents who won gold in their very first world championship:
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Ayoub Atoudane
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Youssef Akhlouf
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Safaa Chafik
This achievement reflects the effectiveness of Moroccan training and the smart selection of athletes.
Collective triumphs raising the national flag high
Beyond individual success, the Moroccan team shone collectively:
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The women’s team secured the title of Best Female Team.
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The Under-23 category ranked first globally.
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Morocco ranked 5th overall in the medal standings, a position that could have been 2nd if not for the narrow loss of gold in the +75 kg category by Khawla Daakali.
Stars of brilliance and strong comebacks
Veteran champions maintained their shine:
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Kalthoum Akhlouf reclaimed her usual gold.
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Hamza Rchid earned a well-deserved silver medal.
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Maryam Mabarek gave Morocco a precious bronze after a long injury recovery.
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Hamza Sabri, in his elite debut, captured a remarkable bronze medal.
Lahcen El Hilali: “Morocco, a global Muay Thai hub”
El Hilali explains that this success stems from rigorous work, continuous training, and visionary technical management combining experience and passion. The Royal Moroccan Federation shapes champions who proudly carry the nation’s colors.
A question for the future: Has Morocco become a global Muay Thai center?
The scene suggests it clearly. The Moroccan federation has built a team balancing experience, ambition, and passion, backed by a long-term strategy.
Morocco no longer just participates; it creates a sporting model to be emulated. What is the secret to this excellence? Are we witnessing the dawn of Moroccan dominance in this sport?
A message to Moroccan youth
This victory opens horizons: from rural villages to global podiums, nothing is impossible. When vision, training, and institutional support meet, champions are born.
Are we ready to invest more in this golden path? Do media and sports institutions fully grasp the scale of what these athletes achieve for the nation?
It’s a time for pride… but also a time to build upon this glory.
Morocco does not just participate… Morocco triumphs.
