Lao kickboxers to face Chinese fighters ahead of SEA Games

The top three Lao male kickboxers in their respective categories will test their skills against Chinese fighters in a friendly event in China on July 28-29.

The Lao kickboxers will travel to China on Thursday ahead of the event. The Muay Lao Federation will use its budget to support the Lao fighters' friendly kickboxing event, Xinhua news agency quoted local daily Vientiane Times as reporting on Wednesday.

The best male kickboxers for Laos are Thongbang Seuaphom in the men's 54kg, Latsasack Souliyavong in the men's 65kg and Damxoumphone Khiewsavath in the men's 71kg category.

Muay Lao trainer Morakoth Sounasangso said the target would be to test the Lao kickboxers' fitness as they prepare to try for medals at the 29th SEA Games to be held in Malaysia from August 19-31.

The federation will prepare the five male fighters in different divisions in which Laos is to compete. Currently, the Lao fighters are training at the Lao National Sports Training Centre here.

The Lao Ministry of Education and Sports has identified the sport as a potential gold medal winner at the 29th SEA Games in Malaysia.

Two years ago, Lao kickboxers didn't compete at the 28th SEA Games in Singapore as the sport was not included in the schedule. At the 27th SEA Games in Myanmar in 2013, the Lao team won one gold, two silver and six bronze medals.

--IANS

ajb/vt