By Arkar Linn
THE Myanmar Traditional Lethwei Federation and MMAG Company Limited have jointly announced that monthly traditional Lethwei (Myanmar’s boxing) competitions will commence in March 2025. These events will be supported by leading Myanmar companies, including Myanmar Economic Holdings Public Company Limited, alongside backing from the Yangon Region government, SkyNet Television, Mon Min Lan Company Limited and Aung Pyi Hey Candle Company.
The traditional Lethwei competitions were first launched on Olympic Day, 1 June 2015, under the name “Myanmar Fight”, with the Myanmar Traditional Lethwei Federation and MMAG working together to host the competitions in various cities, including Yangon, Bagan, and Myaungmya. Since then, the competitions have produced well-known champions, including Kyaw Swa Win, Tun Lwin Moe, Kaung Kaung, Ko Ko, and other notable Lethwei fighters, all of whom have gained recognition in Myanmar’s combat sports scene.
Despite the initial success, a period of pause followed when the event organizers requested higher fees for the continuation of the monthly competitions. However, with Myanmar’s champions increasingly participating in international events, Myanmar’s Lethwei community now faces a critical moment where the next generation of fighters may lack local competition opportunities.
To resolve this, officials from the Myanmar Traditional Lethwei Federation met the chairman of Myanmar Economic Holdings Public Company Limited in Nay Pyi Taw, requesting support for the monthly events. Following this meeting, the Federation announced that these competitions would resume monthly, and for those unable to attend in person, the events will be broadcast nationwide via SkyNet TV Channels.
From March 2025 onwards, the monthly traditional Lethwei competitions will offer exciting opportunities for both competitors and fans alike. Myanmar Economic Holdings Public Company Limited, which has supported the competition organization since 2015, has also played a vital role in backing Myanmar’s traditional Lethwei champions during their competitions in Japan between 2016 and 2020. During this period, Myanmar’s Lethwei fighters participated in 15 events in Japan, many emerging from these monthly competitions.
Myanmar Economic Holdings Public Company Limited has also been a long-time sponsor of the Independence Day Commemorative Traditional Lethwei Competitions held in Toungoo, supporting the event for eight consecutive years, making it a significant contributor to the development of Lethwei in Myanmar.
The new generation of Lethwei fighters now has the opportunity to showcase their skills, thanks to the continued efforts and support of the Myanmar Traditional Lethwei Federation. These competitions are held at Theinbyu Lethwei Hall, the birthplace of Lethwei, where young fighters compete and gain invaluable experience.
Exceptional competitors from these monthly events will also have the chance to participate in other events, potentially launching professional careers in the sport. The Myanmar Traditional Lethwei Federation and MMAG Company Limited are also planning to host additional traditional Lethwei competitions in various gyms across Myanmar in 2025.
International interest in Myanmar’s traditional Lethwei has also increased significantly with countries such as Russia, the UK, Japan, Chinese Taipei, Morocco, Hungary, Turkiye and Thailand appointing regional representatives. A total of 15 events have been successfully held in Japan, two in Thailand and one in Chinese Taipei under the name “Traditional Lethwei”.
In these international competitions, 80 male and five female Lethwei fighters from Myanmar participated. The current champions reached their status through dedication, transitioning from the ranks of the new generation of fighters. The support of Lethwei clubs, event organizers and the Myanmar Traditional Lethwei Federation is critical for their continued growth. Since organizing these events involves significant costs, the backing of businesses and entrepreneurs remains essential.
The Myanmar Traditional Lethwei Federation, event organizers MMAG Company Limited, Myanmar Economic Holdings Public Company Limited, the Yangon Region government, SkyNet, Mon Min Lan Company Limited and Aung Pyi Hey Candle Company have all played crucial roles in making these events possible. The responsibility now lies with the new generation of Lethwei fighters, along with their coaches and clubs, to make the most of these opportunities.
An official from MMAG Co Limited shared, “We have organized 18 exclusive traditional Lethwei events in three countries. These events have given not only renowned boxers but also emerging talents the chance to compete and gain international experience. This current competition, marking a 10-year gap since its last event, will help these rising stars shine and be invited to compete abroad”.
The president of the Myanmar Traditional Lethwei Federation added, “Lethwei is not only popular across Myanmar but is practised by young athletes nationwide. It is our responsibility to ensure that these fighters gain competitive experience. Although the event is free of charge, there are significant costs involved, including travel, accommodation and various other costs for hiring referees, medical teams, ring models, and Myanmar’s orchestra, among others. Thanks to the generous support from Myanmar Economic Holdings Public Company Limited, the Yangon Regional Government, SkyNet, Mon Min Lan Company Limited, and Aung Pyi Hey Candle, we can successfully organize these events”.
The traditional Lethwei competition, named Myanmar Fight, will begin in March and continue monthly. Traditional Lethwei fighters from the new generation are advised to intensify their training to be fully prepared for the event.
Translated by KZL
