Kick-boxers' dreams shattered

Three Lao kick-boxers from various weight divisions have been ruled out of the final national squad for the muay event at the 25th SEA Games in December.

The fighters are either injured or have broken regulations set by the Muay Lao Federation, making them ineligible for selection for the games.

The three kick-boxers are Peta Ounpanya (48kg), Soukiet Chanphit (57kg) and Sathit Keoduangta (67kg). Muay Lao Federation Secretary, Mr Phon Keochomsy, said the ineligibility of the three fighters will not disrupt preparations for the games.

Peta currently has a leg injury and has failed to meet disciplinary requirements whilst training at the Sokxay camp.

Peta sustained the injury last March and improved after undergoing surgery. However, he is not yet fit enough to compete at the international level.

He won a gold medal in the men's 48kg division of Thailand Prince's Cup in 2006 and a silver medal in the men's 48kg division at the 24th SEA Games in Thailand in 2007.

Soukiet joined the national squad at the Pre-Indoor Games in Ho Chi Minh City , Vietnam , in July and the Asian Martial Arts event in Bangkok , Thailand , in August.

He struggled at these two events and the federation believes he lacks experience at the international level and is not fit enough to be selected for the SEA Games.

Sathit was previously a boxer, a sport in which he represented Laos at previous SEA Games, but has now turned to kick-boxing.

Sathit was looking forward to competing in this year's games, but he unfortunately injured his hand while training. He also broke training camp rules and will not be considered for SEA Games selection.

The three kick-boxers have trained at the Sokxay camp since last February after being selected following their success at the eighth National Games in Champassak province last December.

Mr Phon said any kick-boxer who does not respect federation rules and regulations will not be considered for selection for the games.

There are currently seven male and eight female kick-boxers training at the Sokxay camp. The federation will select a final squad of five males and females for the games.

Mr Phon expressed confidence Laos will win gold medals in the muay event due to the high number of skilful fighters and the home crowd advantage.

 

 

By Sangkhomsay Bubphanouvong
September 23, 2009

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