Masjedul Reza Omeo: The Golden Boy of Muay Thai in Bangladesh

At just 17 years old, Masjedul Reza Omeo is already making waves as one of Bangladesh’s most promising martial artists. In a country where cricket dominates the sports landscape, Omeo has chosen a different path—Muay Thai—and has quickly established himself as a rising star in this dynamic discipline.

With two gold medals to his name—one from the first-ever National Muay Thai Championship in Bangladesh and another from the prestigious IFMA Asian Muay Thai Championship—Omeo is more than just a teenage athlete. He is a symbol of what dedication, passion, and vision can achieve, even in an emerging sport.

A Journey Sparked by Inspiration

Omeo’s Muay Thai journey began in 2014 with an unexpected source of motivation—a movie. “I watched Ong Bak and was immediately hooked,” he recalls. “I Googled Muay Thai and found out there was a gym right next to my house that I didn’t even know existed.”

Though he had tried Taekwondo at school, it didn’t feel natural. “Muay Thai was different. It was raw, powerful, and it felt right,” he says. That decision led him to VO2, one of the few gyms in Dhaka offering Muay Thai training at the time.

Today, with the support of the Bangladesh Muaythai Association, local access to the sport is improving, including through the opening of a dedicated Muay Thai gym.

National Glory and a Ticket to Asia

In 2019, Omeo participated in the first-ever national Muay Thai championship held at Mohammad Ali Stadium, Dhaka—and won gold. That victory became his passport to a much bigger stage: the IFMA Asian Championship, the continent’s most prestigious Muay Thai tournament.

Despite being new to international competition, Omeo embraced the challenge. “I had only a month to prepare, and I was overweight due to exams,” he explains. Normally fighting in the 59 kg category, he was forced to compete in the 63.5 kg division, facing opponents who were heavier and stronger.

But what he lacked in size, he made up for in strategy. “I avoided high-energy kicks that could drain my stamina. Instead, I relied on powerful punches. In the finals, my opponent’s spinning back fist missed, and I responded with one of my own. His nose shattered. The bleeding wouldn’t stop, and I won by technical knockout.”

Alone Abroad, But Cheered by the World

Omeo competed in Abu Dhabi with only one other Bangladeshi fighter. His parents weren’t there, but foreign supporters quickly became fans. “There were 50 Lebanese supporters cheering against me. But after I won, the Iranians and others started cheering for me. It was a surreal moment.”

A Future Full of Promise

Muay Thai is still in its early stages in Bangladesh, but Omeo is confident about its future. “Right now, I’d rate our development at a 5 out of 10. But the potential is huge. If even 1% of our population takes part, it will be a big achievement.”

He credits the United Group for being a key sponsor, and his coach, Asif Mahmud, for his growth as a fighter. “Asif Sir has over 30 years of experience. He’s helped me build the foundation for everything.”

From a Hyperactive Kid to a Disciplined Athlete

Growing up, Omeo admits he was a restless child. “I was always breaking things,” he laughs. “Muay Thai gave me an outlet. Now, I spend my energy training, and my parents are fully supportive.”

His routine reflects the discipline he’s built: “I’m an early riser. I jog every morning. It’s underrated, but it’s helped increase my stamina immensely.”

Eyes on the World—and the Olympics

Having conquered Asia, Omeo has his sights set on the World Championship—and eventually the Olympics.

“I want to win the World Championship next. That will attract more sponsors and attention to Muay Thai in Bangladesh. The sport will be included in the Olympics after the next edition. I plan to represent Bangladesh there.”

Though a planned overseas training program was delayed due to the pandemic, Omeo remains focused and driven. “The plan hasn’t changed, only the timeline.”

Conclusion

Masjedul Reza Omeo represents more than just medals—he represents possibility. In a sport still gaining its footing in Bangladesh, he is a trailblazer showing that with the right mindset, anything is possible. As Muay Thai grows nationally and gains recognition on the Olympic stage, young fighters like Omeo will be leading the charge—one round at a time.