For the first time, two fighters from India got two bronze medals in the ongoing World Cup 2002--6th International Amateur MuayThai Championship held here at the huge Convention Center. The two medalists are from Manipur and Nagaland.

L Nehkholien Haokip from Manipur entered into the semi final and fought with Karimi of Iran. He lost to the Iranian fighter and placed in third position, while Nagaland’s Lanuimti lost to Rogeliogaraera of the Philippines in the semi final and placed him too in third position.

This winning of two bronze medals by Indian fighters in the ongoing World Cup is for the first time in the history of the World cup series, although several medals by Indian fighters were there in the past. It may be mentioned that nine-member Indian Amateur MuayThai squad led by President of the MuayThai Federation of India, Oken Jeet Sandham have reached Bangkok on 18th July for the World Cup 2002--6th International Amateur MuayThai Championship which has started from July 19 and ending on 25th July.

The other members of the Indian Amateur MuayThai team have also been participating in various seminars and workshops like World Instructorship’s and referee’s courses here. Takameren and Raju Thapa of Nagaland and L Thoiba Singh of Manipur have since been taking part in the World Instructorship course while O Manglemjao of Manipur in the World Referee Seminar and workshop. The other Indian fighters--Botovi Achumi of Nagaland and Ziauddin Khatib of Maharastra have already lost to Scotland fighter and South Africa fighter respectively.

The grand final will be held on 25th July and the Princess of Thailand is likely to distribute prizes to the winners of various categories.