Bhutan’s national boxing squad returned from the inaugural Four Nations Boxing Championship in Thimphu laden with medals. Over the three‑day tournament, held April 11–13, the host nation amassed seven golds, five silvers and four bronzes, marking its most successful international outing in half a decade.
From the opening bell, Bhutan’s pugilists asserted their dominance across eight men’s (48–63.5 kg) and eight women’s (46–70 kg) divisions. The packed gymnasium—cheering a sea of red and orange—witnessed spirited bouts that often ended in unanimous verdicts, while a few came down to razor‑thin split decisions.
Home Champions Shine Bright
Among the gold‑medal haul, Migmar Dorji and Tandin Wangchuk prevailed in closely contested bout finals, each edging out opponents by split decision. Dorji clinched his title against Nepal’s Lal Prasad Upreti, while Wangchuk overcame India’s Pravin Chettri. In the women’s ring, Kinga Wangmo, Kinley Yangden and Sangay Choden all enjoyed clear unanimous victories—Wangmo defeating India’s Sapkotaashsani Kumari, Yangden shutting out Pema Omngu Bhutia of India, and Choden besting teammate Sonam Choden in an all‑Bhutan final.
Tashi Yoezer rounded out the golden seven with a convincing win over Nepal’s Prabal Uprety. “I’m thrilled to secure my second international medal on home soil,” Yoezer said. “Facing a seasoned Nepali boxer in the final, I felt confident—now I’ll push even harder in training ahead of upcoming tournaments.”
Silver and Bronze Success
Bhutan’s women filled every spot on the runner‑up podium, as Chimmi Wangmo, Zigdal Zangmo, Norbu Dema, Sonam Choden and Tashi Lham each fought valiantly in finals that slipped just out of reach. The quartet of Karma Wangchuk, Kinzang Tenzin, Dorji Wangdi and Karma Phuntsho claimed bronze medals after hard‑fought semifinal exits, ensuring that no Bhutanese boxer left empty‑handed.
Building Momentum for Bhutan Boxing
Head Coach Girchungla lauded his athletes’ performances: “They delivered everything we’ve worked on these past months. Their discipline, confidence and professionalism were evident in every match.” He added that the Championship’s success underscores boxing’s surging popularity across the kingdom and expressed gratitude to the Bhutan Olympic Committee, the Bhutan Boxing Federation, the Government of India and the passionate spectators whose support energized the home team.
Regional Rivalry on Display
Neighboring Nepal finished second in the overall standings with nine medals (three gold, four silver, two bronze), while Sikkim (competing under the Indian banner) claimed eight (two gold, four silver, two bronze). Bangladesh rounded out the field with one gold and three bronzes. In total, 39 fighters from the four nations tested their mettle, gaining invaluable international experience that promises to raise the bar for future competitions.
As Bhutan celebrates this landmark achievement, the country’s boxing community looks ahead to building on the momentum—both in the ring and in preparing to host more prestigious events. With a generation of medal‑winning athletes now in its ranks, the kingdom’s pugilists are poised to make their mark on the Asian and world stages.
