In the latest Bhutan news and a dazzling display of athleticism and national pride, Bhutan emerged as the standout nation at the Four Nations Boxing Championship 2025 held over an exhilarating three-day period. The tournament, which saw fierce competition among boxers from Bhutan, Nepal, India, and Bangladesh, culminated in a medal haul that underscored Bhutan’s dominance in the sport.
A Historic Performance at Home
Bhutan captured the spotlight on the final day in Thimphu, claiming a remarkable 16 medals overall. With a total of 39 fighters taking part in the tournament—including 16 representing the host nation—the championship proved to be a celebration of both emerging talent and seasoned competitors. Bhutan’s impressive tally of seven gold, five silver, and four bronze medals outpaced its regional rivals, setting a new standard for excellence in the sport.
Rising Stars in the Ring
The tournament witnessed several breakthrough performances that have bolstered the confidence of the nation’s boxing community. Twenty-two-year-old Migmer Dorji from Dagana ignited the excitement by clinching a gold medal in the 48-kilogram minimum weight division, narrowly defeating his Nepali opponent by split decision. Reflecting on his victory, Dorji admitted that initial nerves gave way to a surge of confidence as the bout progressed.
Another noteworthy moment came in the featherweight category when 23-year-old Tashi Yoezer from Lhuentse delivered a commanding performance in the 57-kilogram final. Yoezer, who secured a unanimous decision against Nepal’s Uprety Prabal, expressed gratitude toward the enthusiastic support from Bhutan’s fans—a sentiment echoed by many on the day.
In the 60-kilogram lightweight class, 20-year-old Kinley from Trongsa wowed spectators by defeating India’s Sawan Subba with a unanimous decision. Similarly, Tandin Wangchuk, aged 25 from Punakha, etched his name in history by capturing the light welterweight gold medal after a thrilling split-decision win over an Indian rival. The depth of Bhutan’s male talent was further showcased by four other athletes—Karma Phuntsho, Karma Wangchuk, Kinzang Tenzin, and Dorji Wangdi—who each walked away with bronze medals in their respective weight divisions.
Empowering Women in Boxing
The championship also marked a significant milestone for Bhutanese women in boxing, as they bagged three gold and five silver medals. In a fiercely contested featherweight bout, 25-year-old Kinga Wangmo from Trashi Yangtse triumphed over her Indian competitor by unanimous decision. Wangmo, participating in her first championship, emphasized the importance of international exposure and training opportunities for further honing their skills.
In an all-Bhutan final in the light welterweight division, Sangay Choden of Bumthang secured a decisive win over her compatriot Sonam Choden, demonstrating the growing internal competition that is elevating the sport nationwide. Wrapping up the women’s success, 22-year-old Kinley Yangden from Wangdue Phodrang delivered a masterful performance in the 70-kilogram light middleweight division to claim gold against an Indian opponent, citing the tournament as a crucial learning experience for her budding career.
Support Behind the Success
The head coach of the Bhutan Boxing Federation hailed the athletes for their exceptional spirit and relentless work ethic. Acknowledging the pivotal role played by the Royal Bhutan Army and the Bhutan Olympic Committee, the coach praised the support network that has been integral to the team’s success. “Our young boxers have exceeded all expectations,” he remarked, emphasizing that the foundation laid during this championship will inspire future generations.
Medal Standings and Celebrations
The final medal standings were a testament to Bhutan’s prowess in boxing, with the host nation finishing at the top of the leaderboard with seven gold, five silver, and four bronze medals. Nepal followed with a respectable haul of three gold, four silver, and two bronze medals, while India and Bangladesh secured two gold, four silver, two bronze, and one gold with three bronze medals respectively. The closing ceremony was a jubilant affair, where all medalists were honored with trophies and certificates, celebrating not just the victories but the spirit of competition and unity among the nations.
As the Four Nations Boxing Championship 2025 drew to a close, the echoes of determination and triumph resonated through Thimphu, marking a historic chapter in Bhutanese sports history and setting the stage for an even brighter future in the boxing arena.
