Muaylao trainers and fighters gather for training in Sikhottabong district, Vientiane, on Tuesday.  --Photo Muaylao National Federation

Muaylao fighters muscle up for SEA Games

Four male and three muaylao boxers from Laos are preparing to compete at the 31st South-East Asian (SEA) Games taking place in Vietnam next month.
The four male contestants are Noy Haksameuang in the 63.5kg weight division, Kay Kietnouvong in the 57kg grouping, Soulikone Mingboupha in the 54kg category, and Anantasak Souliyavong in the 60kg class.
The three women who will be competing have been named as Pany Soukkaseum in the 48kg division, Vilatda Boubphavanh in the 63.5kg class, and Lou Soukkhaseum in the 54kg category.
The substitutes are Khampha Theuasavang in the men’s 54kg division and Khounheuan in the women’s 48kg division.
The fighters have been training since February 15, led by head trainer Mr Kampanath Kounlavong and his assistants.
The team will travel to Vietnam on May 13.
Muaylao fighters have competed at previous the SEA Games and taken part in friendly competitions in Thailand.
President of the Muaylao National Federation, Mr Saysamone Sayasone, on Tuesday visited the Khuanchaisikhot training camp in Vientiane to check out the boxers’ fitness.
Mr Saysamone said he fully supported the trainers and the competing martial artists. He urged them to comply with the competition rules and do their best to come home with a gold medal from the SEA Games.
“This year it was difficult to make selections for the SEA Games because we didn’t have any muaylao competitions, either in Laos or other countries, for our fighters to put their skills to the test, due to the Covid-19 outbreak,” he added.
In 2019, the muaylao team won a silver and two bronze medals at the 30th SEA Games held in the Philippines.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update April 29, 2022)