Surya Sagar becomes the first Indian Muay Thai fighter to win golden ticket to World League of Fighters
Jun 07, 2024
Bangkok [Thailand], June 7 : In an event marked by high-octane action, Indian Muay Thai fighter Surya Sagar emerged victorious as the first Indian contestant to secure the coveted golden ticket for the World League of Fighters.
The qualifying UAE event was held at the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, drawing a host of talented fighters from India and around the world. The event featured five main combat matches for the evening including participants of the cruiserweight, featherweight, middleweight, welterweight and the female featherweight category.
Among the accomplished participation of many Indian fighters, Surya Sagar's triumph was notable as it was the first golden ticket to be achieved by an Indian, demonstrating incredible strength and willpower. In addition to offering a backdrop for the intense battles, Surya's feat brought attention to the growing stature and proficiency of Indian fighters in the global arena.
Speaking about Surya Sagar's headlining victory, Rajesh Banga, Chairman of World League of Fighters said, "Surya Sagar's performance was nothing short of spectacular. His commitment to the game and his skill in the ring embodies the essence of the World League of Fighters event. His advancement and his national representation on such a distinguished platform fills us with great pride."
In addition, Ukrainian fighter Anatoli Shponarskyi triumphed over Azerbaijan's Rauf Gerayzade earning a golden ticket to the main event in November further exhilarating the exciting evening. Dana Begzhonova of Russia won the golden ticket in the female featherweight division by outlasting Alba Morral of Spain with excellent technique and stamina. Santanfah Sitsongpeenong of Thailand defeated Mahabbat Humbatov of Azerbaijan in the middleweight division with a strong performance earning him a golden ticket.
The evening also featured a unique prestige fight supported by UAE Warriors and Palm Sports. In the main event, Kazakhstan's Ali Kabdulla faced Armenia's Martin Mezhlumyan with Kabdulla coming out on top.
President WBC Muay Thai, Colonel Thanapol Bhakdibhumi, added, "Excitement for the first-ever event in the United Arab Emirates is high thanks to these bouts which have raised the bar for excellence. I am sure these athletes will keep pushing the boundaries of Muay Thai and making it a more popular sport worldwide. The level of competition we have witnessed tonight is truly exceptional."
On the historic occasion of securing prominent talents for the main event, Nilesh Singh Co-Founder of World league of Fighters shares, "We would like to express our gratitude to Vernost Technologies and Ease my Trip for their biggest support. There have been some exciting talent additions in the Golden Ticket event. We all eagerly await to thrill fans with our inaugural launch soon."
The combination of high-octane fights and pulsating music offered by International DJs added to the spectacle. Some of Thailand's most well-known musicians such as the dynamic rapper Two Pee and the gifted singer Kratae performed at the event as well. The enthusiastic audience was further energized by their successful performances.
WLF and the World Boxing Council Muay Thai collaborated to transform the sport and increase its popularity worldwide. For the first time ever, 16 of the top Muay Thai fighters in the world, both male and female, will compete in a franchise-based league-style tournament presented by Combat Sport World. To win the coveted WLF WBC Title Belt in the United Arab Emirates, the well-known international combat sports stars will be split up into four franchises and will be pitted against one another in a round-robin format.
Leading fighters from all over the world come together for the WLF event, which has proven to be an exciting spectacle. Fans are anticipating the first event, which is expected to be historic in the Muay Thai world, with great anticipation as the competition heats up.