KATHMANDU, MAY 18
Guman Gharti Magar won the ABC Muay Thai National Championship title at EFS Fight Night 8, a national Muay Thai event organised by WBC Muay Thai Nepal at Club Nova on Saturday.
Fighting in the Super Featherweight division, Gharti Magar defeated Karna Bahadur Magarati in the main bout of the championship to claim the national title belt along with a cash prize of Rs 100,000 in front of thousands of spectators and athletes. The event featured participation from fighters representing Nepal and India in a series of professional and amateur contests.
In the Light Flyweight division, two-time champion Karishma Karki defeated Indian fighter Puspa R via unanimous decision to retain her dominance in the category. Karki, who had previously won titles against Nepali opponents, overcame an international challenger this time around and received Rs 50,000 along with the championship title.
The 55.5kg four-man tournament also produced intense competition. Dawa Tamang defeated Mubin Rai via unanimous decision, while Alish Bomjom edged past Sanju Lama through split decision. Following their semi-final victories, Tamang and Bomjom advanced to the final and they will now compete for the WBC Muay Thai National Championship title next year. In another major contest, Santosh Khatri secured a split decision victory over Allen Thakali in the 68kg category.
The pro-amateur section witnessed several closely fought bouts. Avash Shrestha won via split decision in the 58kg category, while India's Nayash Gangwar claimed a unanimous decision victory at 55.3kg. Jessica Lama secured a split decision win at 53.2kg, and Evan Shrestha emerged victorious in the junior category. Likewise, India's Purnsa Dey registered a unanimous decision victory in the 68kg division, while Suman Rana Magar also won his bout. Janak Gurung claimed a split decision victory at 69.8kg, Binduwali Rai won via unanimous decision at 60kg, and Sujal Budhathoki also recorded a unanimous decision victory.
Thailand Ambassador to Nepal Donnawit Poolsawat, along with Budhanilkantha Municipality Ward No 1 Chair Suman Tamang and Ward No 3 Chair Akash Dhital attended the event. According to WBC Muay Thai Nepal President Raju Rai, EFS Fight Night 8 marked another successful milestone for organisation as it continued its efforts to develop and promote Muay Thai in Nepal through national and international events.