How Did Thailand Open Boxing Unfold as Sanju Dominates Japan’s Kokufu?
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Synopsis
In an impressive display of skill, Sanju M.S. triumphed over Japan's Kokufu to secure her place in the quarterfinals of the Thailand Open Boxing. With a powerful performance, she showcased her transition from kickboxing to traditional boxing, making headlines in the competitive tournament. Dive into the highlights from this exciting event in Bangkok!
Key Takeaways
- Sanju M.S. advances to the quarterfinals with a dominant victory.
- Indian team comprises 19 members in the prestigious tournament.
- Pawan Bartwal demonstrated effective defensive strategies.
- Strong competition from boxers across Asia, including China and South Korea.
- Several Indian boxers faced early exits.
New Delhi, May 24 (NationPress) National Games bronze medallist Sanju M.S. showcased her fierce boxing technique, overpowering her Japanese rival to advance to the quarterfinals in the women’s 60kg category of the 4th Thailand Open International Boxing 2025 held in Bangkok on Saturday.
In another bout, Armyman and National Games silver medallist Pawan Bartwal combined his aggressive strategy with solid defense to outshine his local competitor in the first round of the men’s 55 kg category.
India has sent a robust team of 19 members to the esteemed boxing event, which is organized under the auspices of a World Boxing-supported Asian organization and has drawn talented fighters from countries like China, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, South Korea, and host Thailand.
On that Saturday, Sanju dominated Japan’s Sarii Kokufu with a score of 5:0, while Bartwal fought back to secure a 4:1 victory against Thanarat Saengphet from Thailand.
Transitioning from kickboxing to traditional boxing, Sanju is recognized for her attacking prowess and launched a relentless assault from the very first round against Kokufu.
The 25-year-old unleashed a barrage of punches to the Japanese fighter’s face in the second minute of the opening round, prompting the referee to pause the match for headgear adjustment.
After a countdown at the end of the second round, Sanju only needed to maintain her lead in the final round to secure her place in the semi-finals.
In Bartwal's initial bout of the day, he started off cautiously. His measured approach meant that, despite successfully landing a few hits, Saengphet appeared slightly ahead after the first round.
However, Bartwal shifted gears in the second round, executing a series of effective one-two punch combinations to unsettle his opponent and take control. The final round saw both boxers trading blows, but Bartwal soon established dominance with counterattacks whenever the Thai lowered his guard, winning with a decisive 4:1 score.
In other matches of the day, Nikhil (60kg), Amit Kumar (65kg), and Hemant Yadav (70kg) were unfortunately eliminated in their opening rounds.
Results:
Men:
55kg: Pawan Bartwal defeated Thanarat Saengphet (Thailand) 4:1
60kg: Nikhil lost to Nakayama Sota (Japan) 0:5
65kg: Amit Kumar lost to Mark Ashley Fajardo (Philippines) 0:5
70kg: Hemant Yadav lost to Ismoilov Mukhammadazizbek (Uzbekistan) 0:5
Point of View
It is our duty to recognize the commendable efforts of our athletes at the Thailand Open International Boxing 2025. Sanju M.S.'s remarkable performance is a testament to her dedication and skill, reflecting India's growing prominence in the boxing arena. While we celebrate these achievements, we must also acknowledge the challenges faced by other competitors, emphasizing the need for continued support and development in the sport.
NationPress
30/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Sanju M.S.?
Sanju M.S. is a National Games bronze medallist and an emerging talent in boxing, known for her aggressive style and recent transition from kickboxing.
What is the 4th Thailand Open International Boxing 2025?
The Thailand Open International Boxing is a prestigious boxing tournament that attracts top talent from across Asia and is held in Bangkok, Thailand.
How did Sanju perform in her match?
Sanju dominated her opponent, Sarii Kokufu from Japan, winning the match with a score of 5:0.
What other Indian boxers participated?
Other Indian boxers included Pawan Bartwal, Nikhil, Amit Kumar, and Hemant Yadav, with varying outcomes in their respective matches.
What are the key takeaways from this tournament?
The tournament showcased the talent and skills of emerging boxers, emphasizing India's growing presence in the international boxing scene.
