Two South Sudanese fighters have retained their championship belts at the seventh edition of the World Muay Thai Championship after defeating their challengers in Pattaya, Thailand.
James Majok Gau and Sebit Okony Joor-Ojat, popularly known as “Sky Okony,” were crowned champions after beating China’s Wei Lei and Brazil’s Manoel Syndney in bouts held on Saturday and Sunday respectively. Their teammate, Abednego Thon, known as “Wizzy,” is scheduled to compete in a final match on Monday.
This year’s championship, held from March 12 to 18 in Pattaya, Thailand, brought together fighters from dozens of countries, including South Sudan, Argentina, the Philippines, China, Sri Lanka, India, Brazil and France.
The South Sudanese team advanced to the finals, with Majok and Okony defending the gold medals they won in the previous edition. Their victories mark the second consecutive world titles for both fighters.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Sunday, Puro Okelo Obob, president of the South Sudan Kickboxing Federation, described the achievement as a victory for Africa and urged South Sudanese to take pride in the country’s growing presence in martial arts.
“Despite various challenges, our teams made it to the final,” he said. “Last year, South Sudan, represented by Sky, Majok and Wizzy, won two gold medals and one bronze.”
He added that Majok had already secured a gold medal in the 72–73 kg category, while Okony was competing in the 70 kg category and Thon in the 68 kg category.
Okelo, who also serves as the federation’s head coach, said the success should encourage greater support for sports in the country.
“As South Sudanese, this should be our pride. We should support kickboxing and other sports and focus on unity and development,” he said.
Majok dedicated his victory to South Sudanese supporters and called for greater backing for athletes.
“I am happy that I made South Sudan proud for the second time,” he said. “My appeal is that the country should support sports because we are leaders.”
Muay Thai, often referred to as the “Art of the Eight Limbs” for its use of fists, elbows, knees and shins, has grown in popularity in South Sudan in recent years.
Since gaining independence in 2011, South Sudan has sought to develop its presence in international sports, including martial arts, with fighters from the country increasingly competing in global tournaments.