April 16, 2025
THIMPHU – All 16 Bhutanese boxers, comprising eight women and eight men, bagged medals at the 2025 Four Nations Boxing Championship, held in Thimphu from April 11 to 13.
The home team’s victory in the tournament, the first time Bhutan hosted the event, was a source of immense national pride. This performance is considered one of the best by Bhutanese boxers in the past five years.
Demonstrating skill, confidence, and professionalism, the Bhutanese boxers dominated the Championship, claiming a total of 16 medals-seven gold, five silver, and four bronze.
The men’s team competed in weight categories ranging from 48 to 63.5 kg, while the female boxers fought in the 46 to 70 kg weight categories.
Bhutan’s gold medalists included Migmar Dorji, Kinley, Tandin Wangchuk, and Tashi Yoezer in the men’s division, and Kinga Wangmo, Sangay Choden, and Kinley Yangden in the women’s category.
In the finals held on April 13, Migmar Dorji defeated Lal Prasad Upreti of Nepal, Kinga Wangmo won against Sapkotaashsani Kumari of India, and Sangay Choden secured victory against her fellow Bhutanese boxer, Sonam Choden.
Kinley Yangden defeated Pema Omngu Bhutia of India, Kinley won against Sawan Subba of India, Tandin Wangchuk defeated Pravin Chettri of India, and Tashi Yoezer won against Prabal Uprety of Nepal.
Kinley, Kinley Yangden, Sangay Choden, Kinga Wangmo, and Tashi Yoezer all won their bouts through unanimous decisions, while Tandin Wangchuk and Migmar Dorji secured their gold medals through split decisions.
The silver medalists were all from the women’s team, Chimmi Wangmo, Zigdal Zangmo, Norbu Dema, Sonam Choden, and Tashi Lham, who each lost in highly competitive final matches.
Meanwhile, Karma Wangchuk, Kinzang Tenzin, Dorji Wangdi, and Karma Phuntsho won bronze for Bhutan.
Bhutan’s Head Coach Girchungla said, “I am proud of my boxers. They delivered what they have trained for in the last few months.” He added that the boxers’ strong performance highlights the growing popularity of boxing in the country and is optimistic about their future performances.
Girchungla extended his gratitude to the Bhutan Olympic Committee (BOC), Bhutan Boxing Federation (BBF), the Government of India, and the enthusiastic spectators for their support.
Nepal finished second in the medal tally with nine medals (three gold, four silver, and two bronze). Sikkim (India) secured eight medals (two gold, four silver, and two bronze), and Bangladesh bagged four medals (one gold and three bronze).
Boxer Tashi Yoezer, a gold medalist said,”I am happy to win my second international medal. I want to thank all my coaches, BOC, BBF and the fans for their support.”
“In the final I was confident that I would win against my Nepali opponent, although he is a seasoned boxer,” he said, adding that he would train harder for the future tournaments.
The three-day event witnessed the boxing talent of 39 boxers from the four participating nations.
The tournament not only demonstrated Bhutan’s growing capability to host international sporting events but also provided a valuable platform for the boxers to exhibit their skills and gain crucial international experience.
Boxers acknowledged that this exposure is vital for ensuring competitive performances in future international competitions.