Iraq's al-Tikriti wins gold at World Muay Thai Championship in Kuala Lumpur

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Iraqi national Muay Thai team member Mustafa al-Tikriti claimed the 81 kg gold medal at the 2026 World Muay Thai Championship held in the Malaysian capital, according to Shafaq News. Al-Tikriti opened the tournament by defeating his Brazilian opponent in the quarterfinal, then advanced to the final with a 29-28 victory over a Ukrainian fighter in the semifinal. In the gold-medal bout, he beat his Russian rival 30-27 to secure the title. The Iraqi fighter celebrated his victory on the podium by unfurling the Iraqi flag. Al-Tikriti's result adds to Iraq's recent international performances in Muay Thai. No further details on his background or the national team's broader plans were immediately available.