Thai jujitsu team grabs the most medals at the SEA Games
When you think about combat sports in Thailand, you’re probably thinking of Muay Thai. So it might come as a surprise to you that our national jujitsu team made national history at the 32nd SEA Games.
Here’s how the Thai jujitsu team grabbed 13 medals, including 6 golds.
Almost a clean sweep of the duo competition
Image credit: @plub_wrs via Instagram
At the 32nd SEA Games, the jujitsu competition is divided into combat and show matches. The show competition comprises duos who perform various techniques to a panel of judges.
Of the 6 categories in the show competition, Thailand won gold in 5. Thailand won in the Men’s Show, Women’s Duo, Women’s Show, Mixed Duo, and Mixed Show categories. Additionally, in the remaining category of Men’s Duo, Thailand managed to win silver, only losing to the host Cambodia.
Another gold in the combat matches
Image credit: @suwijakkuntong via Instagram
Thailand also managed to bag a final gold in the combat matches from the Men’s ne-waza gi 62 kg category.
Suwijak Kuntong successfully defended his championship after winning gold at the 31st SEA Games in Vietnam two years prior.
In total, Thailand snagged 6 golds, 2 silvers, and 5 bronzes from jujitsu at the 32nd SEA Games.
Thai martial arts are more than just Muay Thai
While it’s a given that if you think of martial arts in Thailand you think of Muay Thai, the Thai jujitsu team has made their case for jujitsu as well.
With their incredible performance at the SEA Games, we can’t wait to see what they’ll accomplish next.
If you’re looking for events to mark down on your calendar, check out this concert featuring Thai singers in July. Or if you’re looking for Thai ingenuity, check out how this man turned his microwave into a mailbox.
Cover image adapted from: @plub_wrs and @suwijakkuntong via Instagram