REDDITCH martial arts ace George Rowand is celebrating after qualifying for the International Federation of Muay Thai Amateur Youth World Championships in Thailand.
The 13-year-old booked his place in Bangkok thanks to a highly impressive performance in qualifying in Leeds where he won two fights – both over three one-and-a-half-minute rounds – to become one of 11 youngsters chosen to represent Great Britain in the championships between August 3-11.
George, who achieved his category qualifying success as a 12-year-old, is one of just 27 selected to represent Great Britain in the sport this year and will have a key role to play both now and in the future as Muay Thai will trial at the 2020 Olympic Games.
If successful, the sport will keeps its place for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games at which it is George’s ambition to compete.
George, who at one point was unbeaten in three years of competition, will fly out to Thailand at the end of July to prepare for the championships, although beforehand he and his family are aiming to raise £3,500 to help with costs to fund their trip.
A ‘kickathon’ will take place next month between George and his Thaitans Martial Arts Academy adult team-mates and sponsorship is being sought.
George and his team would like to thank his sponsor Transmec and Wayne Davis of WD Sports & Remedial Massage Therapy for their help. If any businesses or individuals would like to offer further sponsorship support, they can email Standard sports editor Liam Moakes at [email protected] for further details.
George, who has won Area, British, Celtic and European titles, is no stranger to success having become a world champion at 6kg at last November’s Thai Boxing Unified World Championships in Italy.
