Timorese government will reactivate martial arts in January next year

The Timorese government plans to reactivate martial arts in January, aiming to promote sports and social inclusion among youth. Octávio da Conceição, president of the Martial Arts Regulatory Commission (KRAM), emphasized that this initiative is not politically motivated despite upcoming elections. The government seeks to encourage young people to develop their talents and participate in international competitions. Recent legislation prohibits military and police from joining martial arts groups, aiming to ensure safety and prevent violence. The reactivation follows a suspension of martial arts practices due to violent incidents in late 2023.