Paris – The Grand Palais in Paris will host the World Kickboxing Championship this Thursday, April 30th. The event, organized by The Benzaquen Team with support from the Île-de-France region, promises a full evening of competition, featuring seven professional fights, two ISKA world title bouts, and one European title match.
Among the athletes competing is Shiva Nariman, an Iranian kickboxer who left her home country in 2023 to continue pursuing her sport. Her participation carries significant weight, representing a powerful symbol of freedom and determination.
The historic Grand Palais hasn’t seen a boxing or kickboxing event since 1942, when Marcel Cerdan fought at the venue. Following the 2024 Paris Olympics, which utilized the space for fencing and taekwondo, the Grand Palais is re-establishing itself as a sporting venue.
Cyril Benzaquen, a seven-time ISKA kickboxing world champion, is both competing for another title and organizing the event. Benzaquen, a graduate of Paris-Dauphine University, has been a prominent figure in French kickboxing for a decade. He described the event to Le Journal du Dimanche as “the most disruptive event of the year,” emphasizing the substantial investment required to elevate a sport that often operates outside the mainstream spotlight. The total budget for the championship is estimated between 700,000 and 800,000 euros.
More than 4,000 spectators are expected to attend the event, including figures from the worlds of sport, finance, and entertainment. The evening will run from 6:30 PM to 2:00 AM local time (4:30 PM – 12:00 AM UTC).
The significance of Nariman’s presence extends beyond the sporting arena. Her story resonates with those who advocate for athletes facing restrictions in their home countries. While details surrounding her departure from Iran remain largely private, her commitment to kickboxing and her willingness to compete on an international stage underscore her dedication to her craft and her pursuit of athletic freedom.
Kickboxing, while gaining popularity, still often exists in the shadow of more widely recognized combat sports. Benzaquen’s ambition with this event is to bring the discipline into the forefront, showcasing the skill and athleticism of its practitioners. The choice of the Grand Palais as a venue is a deliberate attempt to elevate the sport’s profile and attract a broader audience.
The event’s program includes a diverse range of matchups, promising a dynamic and competitive evening for fans. The two ISKA world title fights and the European title bout are expected to be particularly compelling, drawing attention from both seasoned kickboxing enthusiasts and newcomers to the sport.
The World Kickboxing Championship at the Grand Palais represents a significant moment for the sport in France, and for athletes like Shiva Nariman, who are fighting not only for victory in the ring, but too for the freedom to pursue their passions.
Following this event, Cyril Benzaquen is expected to continue promoting kickboxing events throughout France and internationally. Shiva Nariman’s next scheduled competition has not yet been announced, but fans will be watching closely to see where she competes next.
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