The Muay Thai competition kicked off in Kabul on Saturday in order to select the best players for MMA competitions in Asia and for the Muay Thai world championships.

At least 50 Muay Thai fighters are taking part in the competition from seven weight classes.

“The athletes are competing for places for the MMA championships in Turkmenistan and the Muay Thai championships in Thailand. The best players among them will be selected for the events,” said Mohammad Jamil Mohammadi, deputy head of the Afghanistan Muay Thai Federation.

He said that seven Muay Thai fighters will be selected for the competitions.

“The competitions were held to high standards in three categories: teens, adults and girls,” he added.

The federation has already selected seven girls in a similar competition. The female fighters will attend the two important events in Turkmenistan and Thailand within the next two months.