24 october
AN event titled ‘Lethwei in Taiwan’ was held on 20 October in Taipei City, Taiwan, to showcase Myanma lethwei. The tourney concluded with many thrilling fights between Myanmar and foreign fighters.
The lethwei event was held in Taiwan for the very first time, with five fighters representing Myanmar. The Myanmar fighters bagged two wins, two draws, and one loss. There were a variety of bouts pitting Myanma lethwei fighters against foreign martial artists from the United States and Japan. The fighters obeyed Myanma lethwei rules, including the clinching techniques, and fought bareknuckled, without gloves, with only tape and gauze covering their hands.
In the 71-kg event, Phyo Thiha (Myanmar) beat Deng Ding Yuan (Taiwan) with a knockout in the second round.
In the 77-kg event, Will Chope (USA) beat Chen Ching Shun (Taiwan) with a knockout result.
In the 62-kg event of the tourney, Nishizawa Takuya (Japan) beat Boy Kar (Myanmar) with a fourth round knockout.
In the 90-kg event, Phoe Thar Gyi (Myanmar) managed a win over Wu Dong Xin (Taiwan) in a first round knockout result.
In the 56-kg women’s event, Shwe Ko Lay (Myanmar) fought to a draw against Nann A Mwe Hom (Myanmar).
The Myanma Orchestra (Saing Waing) provided entertainment at the event, and fans, including fighters from Taipei, came down to watch the thrilling lethwei matches. The second lethwei event in Taipei is being planned for 2020, according to the event’s organizers.
Min Khit (Translated by Kyaw Zin Lin)
