Lao fighters bag judo gold, silver

Lao judo fighter Khemkham Kommanivong won gold in the men’s over 100kg category yesterday, beating Thai and Vietnamese opponents in a day of finals at the Budo center.

“I am very happy with the win, it’s my first gold after attending five SEA Games,” Khemkham said after winning the final in front of a crowd of Lao supporters, friends and family.

Up to now Khemkham had won two SEA Games bronze medals at the 2003 games in Vietnam and 2007 games in Thailand.

Khemkham, 30, said the gold medal rewarded his hard training, including three months in Japan andthree months in Mongolia.

“I thank our party and state for supporting me and the coaches for helping me achieve the gold medal,” he said, adding that he dedicated the medal to his country, parents and the President of Lao Judo Federation Mr Khemxad Philaphandeth.

The silver medal in the men’s over 100kg category went to Thailand and bronze went to Vietnam.

On the same day Ms Sipapha Phommavihane of Laos won silver in the women’s over 78kg, while gold in that event went to Thailand and bronze medals went to Vietnam and Myanmar.

Phengsy Phonepaseud won silver in the men’s under 90kg, while gold went to Myanmar and bronze medals went to Thailand and the Philippines.

Khemkham won the second gold medal for the federation after Phonaly Sayarath won their first gold in the women’s 48-52kg event on December 16.

Laos sent six men and six women to enter 12 of the 16 judo events at this SEA Games.

Source: KPL Lao News Agency
December 17, 2009