Danyal Farooq chosen for Muaythai World and European Championships

Danyal Farooq has been chosen to represent Great Britain in the upcoming Muaythai World and European Championships later this year.

The 14-year-old fighter has been selected for team GB in the IFMA Youth and U23 World Championships in late September and the European Championships in Poland the following month.

Danyal will be competing in the 14/15-year-old under 57kg category.

The Oulder Hill pupil trains at Impact Gym, Rochdale, under head coach Jaman Chowdhury, and was selected for the team by the United Kingdom Muaythai Federation.

Danyal was selected for the team after a successful trial in Sheffield last month in which he displayed his speed, technique, reading skills, power and stamina.

Danyal said: “I am very honoured to get this opportunity to represent Rochdale and Great Britain. No matter what background you come from or no matter what town you come from, you can still achieve and follow your ambitions and dreams.”

Coach Jaman said: “We are really proud of how far Danny has come with the help of his coach and support from his mother, Amreen.

“It’s a great achievement for one of my students as I watched him grow and taught him. When Danny first started with me back in 2017, Danny couldn’t throw a punch or kick, his balance was everywhere.

“One thing I saw in Danny was that he never gave up, his commitment and dedication for work on his technique, and not caring about what anyone said about him. He kept at it, which made me push him more. He trains for five hours in holidays and four hours on school days.

“He’s a good role model for other children. I want to create more fighters like him.”

A fundraiser has been launched by Impact Gym to cover the costs of sending Danyal to the two championships, which will cover travel and hotel costs, as well as kit and equipment. Due to Danyal’s age, his coach will also be required to travel with him, incurring further costs.

Jaman added: “I believe Danny is one of the best muaythai athletes in the UK for his particular weight categories.

“This is a golden opportunity for Danny. I am supporting him as coach as much as I can and we would appreciate any donations in order to support Danny.”

Donations can be made via GoFundMe:

• www.gofundme.com/f/towards-world-and-european-championships-2023