Fighting fit for Arafura

TERRITORY Muay Thai fighter Andrew "Cold Steel" Castle is already glowing with Arafura Games anticipation.

Castle will lead Darwin's charge on to the international stage when the famed martial art is debuted at the 10th instalment of biennial Games.

And already he knows that none of his fight experience - spanning an impressive eight wins from 11 outing - will compare to the four-day showcase of action which will see more than 160 fighters from 15 countries go toe-to-toe.

"Wherever we fight there is interest and excitement in the Games," Castle said. "The energy is going to be amazing, it's going to be nothing but Muay Thai wherever you look. That sort of energy can bring something extra special out of you in the ring."

Castle was there in 2007 when the Muay Thai's addition as the Games' 27th sport was made.

His attitude then is the same as now - it's good for the local, national and international profile of the sport.

"The Arafura Games is a huge thing to be a part of and an important step for Muay Thai one day getting into the Olympics."

NT representative for the World Muay Thai Council and tournament organiser Corey Impelmans is keen to put Darwin on the world Muay Thai map.

"I've coached hundreds of fighters, successfully run this club (Man Ho Academy of Martial Arts) for 25 years, hosted local, national and now an international event.

"It's a proud achievement to know we are playing a part in putting Muay Thai on the Olympic agenda."

Traditional Muay Thai powers Thailand, Pakistan, Indonesia, Singapore and China have committed teams to the tournament with Australia also fielding an elite-amateur and development squad.

Andrew Aloia
http://www.ntnews.com.au/