Buakaw greets Muay Thai enthusiast who biked 2,400km from China
A Chinese woman who made headlines after setting off on a long bicycle journey to learn the Thai martial art of Muay Thai finally arrived in Thailand on Friday.
Li Zhen-xiang was warmly welcomed by Muay Thai ace, Buakaw Banchamek, fulfilling his promise to the woman.
Li, who hails from Mianyang city in China's southwestern Sichuan province, is an ardent martial arts enthusiast. She left her hometown 35 days ago on a bicycle journey with the aim of meeting and training with Buakaw, her Thai idol.
After a 2,409-kilometre bike journey over 35 days, Li arrived at Banchamek Boxing Camp in Mae Tang district of Chiang Mai. Buakaw, along with his team, graciously welcomed Li and invited her to share with them her first meal in Thailand.
A self-proclaimed avid fan of Muay Thai, Li set out on a plan to train with Buakaw at his boxing camp in the northern city of Chiang Mai. Subsequently, she aims to cycle an additional 700km to Bangkok, where she intends to undergo training at a Muay Thai school for six months before engaging in five or six actual kickboxing matches.
“I am embarking on this solo biking journey to Thailand. Undoubtedly, I will encounter challenges such as weather conditions, language barriers, and rigorous training," she was quoted as saying by Chengdu Daily Star News last month.
Her compelling story was the third most popular on Weibo's trends.
Buakaw's Facebook page urged his fans to extend a warm welcome to the Chinese woman during her stay in Thailand.
“As fellow Muay Thai enthusiasts, we should take pride in the fact that foreigners also appreciate our national martial art,” the Facebook post said.
