THE ‘Myanmar Fight New Generation’ traditional Lethwei tournament was held yesterday at the Theinbyu Gymnasium in Yangon. The event was jointly organized by the Department of Sports and Physical Education, the Myanmar Traditional Lethwei Federation, and the Myanmar Martial Art Group (MMAG), with major sponsorship from Myanmar Economic Holding Public Company Limited.
The tournament featured a total of nine bouts, resulting in three wins and six draws. In the decisive matches, Myat Min Thant (YMA) defeated Nine Nine (Opar) in the third round after Nine Nine suffered two knockdowns from heavy punches. Similarly, Soe El Hel Soe (Worriers) secured a victory over Naing Phyo Aung (Ray) in the second round with a combination of punches and kicks. In another intense bout, Daung Maik Thway (Top-1) defeated Lel Tamalar (Ray); the fighters exchanged heavy blows until the third round when Lel Tamalar sustained an injury and, following the doctor’s assessment, conceded the match.
The remaining matches ended in draws, despite fierce exchanges of blows. These included bouts between Yaza Htun (Ray) and Star (HOC), Moe Kyo (Bago Club) and Naing Zin Oo (Kyar Bayin), Htet Htet (Shwepaukkan) and Soe Gyi (Opar), Salai Kharatt (YMA) and Nga Yae (SMART-FIGHT), Ayars Khan (Zar Htet Meiktila) and Ngwe San Min (Top-1), as well as Wai Yan Min Thu (Bago Club) versus Ye Maik Tee (MK-1).
The tournament highlighted the emergence of a new generation of Lethwei fighters, with many rising stars excelling in traditional striking techniques. The Myanmar Traditional Lethwei Federation organized this event to provide a platform to promote and elevate these young talents in the sport. — Bala/KZL
