Muay fighters bring three more gold and silver medals for Laos

(KPL) Lao muay fighters dripped with gold yesterday, three boxers winning their finals to take the Lao Muay Federation gold medal tally to five in an action packed day at Bueng Khagnong sports centre.

The first gold went to Miss. Phouthasone Keosayavong in the women’s 48kg category, who beat Nguyen Thi Tuyet Dung of Vietnam on points in a bout so close that the Vietnamese boxer wept at her loss at the final bell.

In women’s 57kg category Paylor Xaydao won her gold by beating Vietnamese Tran Thi Huong, while in the men’s 51kg event Thongbang Seuaphom beat Romnick Pabalate from the Philippines. Mr Bouavanh Chanthaly also won silver for Laos against Nattakorn Thongngam of Thailand in the 42kg to 45kg pin weight category.

“I was so happy and did the best I could to defeat my opponent from Vietnam. In the first and second rounds it seemed I may lose because she’s very fast and strong,” said Miss. Phouthasone.

“I took a breath and made some faster moves and got her in the third and final round, and couldn’t believe the judge raised my hand as the winner,” said Miss. Phouthasone.

Lao muay Coach Mr. Lakhonekham Xayakham said that the day was immensely satisfying, as he watched four of his fighters fighting on the ring and all come out with a medal.

“It’s a great achievement for the Lao Muay Federation to lead the other sport categories in the Lao medal tally, and also shows the significant development of Lao muay in the past few years,” he said.

“The victory demonstrates the competence of Lao muay fighters against fighters from regional countries, and what I’m proud of the most is our muay trainers because they are Lao and no foreigners are involved in training our fighters,” said Mr. Lakhonekham.

Source: KPL Lao News Agency
December 17, 2009