Medals have been awarded as the 2019 Chungju World Martial Arts Masterships came into its final stage with the best athletes staying in the competition. So many distinguished guests arrived to see international athletes competing for the medals and fame for their country. Fame was it when the IFMA media chased the champions for interviews and photo shoots.
One of the most anticipated bouts opened the day as Nili Block (ISR) was challenged by Taylor McClatchie (CAN) where Taylor had a chance to stop the winning streak of the Israeli but there is still no athlete currently in the 60 kg division who can dispute her champion’s title. Nili wins second gold medal this year and she may have a chance to make a triple at the European Championships in Minsk.
(GRE) Dimos Asimakopoulos made it to the final and had to face Norapat Khundam (THA) whose mission was to push Thailand to the top of the ranking table. Dimos was pushing forward all three rounds but the current Asian Champion opened count of his gold medals in 2019 with Dimos taking the second step of the awarding podium.
Team Mexico can be proud of Miguel Angel Padilla who brought the gold medal to the overall result. The Mexican anthem was a reminder to the audience that athletes from all around the world arrived to Korea to celebrate sports.
Ashley Thiner (USA) marked a good start of her fight record on IFMA winning the gold medal against a more experienced Viktorie Bulinova (CZE). Smiles and hugs after fight truly proved that Muaythai is a sport full of respect to the opponent and both athletes thanked each other for the amazing experience.
IFMA Champion Itai Gayer (ISR) faced Rhyse Saliba (AUS) and Itai’s expereince competing in IFMA events secured a victory for Israel as Rhyse was adjusting his style debuting in IFMA events this year.
20 year old Enis Yunusoğlu (TUR) is making his name remembered by an amazing appearance in Chungju and winning gold medal for Turkey against Marzaq Soufiane (MAR). Losing first round it was an impressive come-back in the second and third round. Gold medal and congratulations, Enis!
The captain of the Russian team Aleksandr Abramov (RUS) came to Chungju to win and he went strong against his opponents Natthawat Suzikong (THA). All three rounds were dictated by the Russian who won the bout and gold medal.
The host of the event concluded the Muaythai competition winning the silver medal.
It have been truly amazing days in Chungju, and IFMA teams would truly take so many souvenirs home but most important great memory about the 2019 Chungju World Martial Arts Masterships.
