Thai Fighter Wins Historic MMA Gold at Asian Games
Thai fighter Kanjchuda Phattharabun won Thailand's first-ever gold medal in mixed martial arts at the Asian Games, defeating Bahrain's Diana Pogosyan 3-0 in the women's 54kg final in Japan on September 22.
Kanjchuda Phattharabun, a Thai mixed martial arts athlete representing the national team, has secured Thailand's fourth gold medal at the 20th Asian Games after defeating Bahrain's Diana Pogosyan 3-0 in the women's 54kg final on September 22 in Japan. Throughout both rounds, Kanjchuda executed excellent defensive techniques and superior striking, earning a decisive 3-0 victory and claiming a historic gold medal for Thai mixed martial arts at the Asian Games, where the sport was featured in medal competition for the first time.
Kanjchuda said she felt pressure before the competition because she badly wanted to win gold, and was overjoyed, calling it the best moment of her life. She credited intense training and preparation that began in March, saying that despite the physical toll and injuries sustained during training camp, she pushed through for this day. She was proud to have made history by winning Thailand's first gold medal in mixed martial arts.
The fighter added that while she and everyone in the association had hoped for gold before coming, any medal would have been meaningful as it opens doors for the sport and helps people recognize mixed martial arts more. She said there was no need to request anything more from sports leaders, as they would now understand the sport better after seeing her performance. She emphasized that the achievement was not hers alone, but belonged to all the athletes, coaches, and staff who worked for Thailand.
