The Four Nations Boxing Championship 2025 wrapped up yesterday in Thimphu, with Bhutan delivering a stellar performance, winning seven gold medals. Over the three action-packed days, boxers from Bhutan, Nepal, India, and Bangladesh went head-to-head for glory.
Bhutan dominated the final day of the championship, securing 16 medals, the highest among the participating nations. 39 boxers competed in the tournament, of which 16 were Bhutanese.
22-year-old Migmer Dorji from Dagana opened Bhutan’s gold medal tally. Fighting in the 48-kilogramme minimum weight category, he edged out Nepal by split decision.
“I am really happy to have won the match. At first, I wasn’t very confident when I stepped into the ring. But as the fight went on, I gained experience and gained courage to keep pushing forward.”
In the 57-kilogramme featherweight final, 23-year-old Tashi Yoezer from Lhuentse, overpowered Nepal’s Uprety Prabal. He won by unanimous decision, claiming another gold for Bhutan.
“The final match went well, and I am proud to have won. I truly thank the Bhutanese people for their support, it made a big difference. Moving forward, I am determined to keep winning gold and bring pride to our country.”
Kinley, 20, from Trongsa, impressed fans in the 60-kilogramme lightweight final. He delivered a dominant performance against India’s Sawan Subba and won by unanimous decision.
“Competing against international opponents has given me valuable experience. From now on, I will continue to train hard and strive to bring pride to the country.”
Similarly, 25-year-old Tandin Wangchuk from Punakha, competing in the 63.5-kilogramme light welterweight final, clinched Bhutan’s fourth gold medal after a nail-biting split-decision win over India.
“I am glad to have won my first match. I will continue to train hard and give my best in future competitions as well.”
Four other Bhutanese men, Karma Phuntsho, Karma Wangchuk, Kinzang Tenzin, and Dorji Wangdi, secured bronze medals in various weight divisions.
In the women’s category, Bhutanese women clinched three gold and five silver medals.
25-year-old Kinga Wangmo from Trashi Yangtse delivered a strong performance in the 57-kilogramme featherweight bout, beating her Indian opponent by unanimous decision.
“To develop our skills, we need to travel abroad and take part in international tournaments and joint training camps, it would benefit us greatly. This is my first time participating in this championship and I achieved a good result. Now, I have gained the confidence to compete in more international tournaments.”
In the 63-kilogramme light welterweight final, it was an all-Bhutan matchup. Sangay Choden, from Bumthang triumphed over Sonam Choden winning by unanimous decision.
“When a tournament is hosted in our home country, we feel excited to compete. I have gained a lot of valuable experience and I am looking forward to performing well in future tournaments.”
Kinley Yangden, 22, from Wangdue Phodrang, wrapped up the women’s gold medal victories. She out-boxed her Indian opponent in the 70-kilogramme light middleweight division, securing gold with unanimous decision.
“This is my first time competing in an international tournament, and I have already gained a lot of experience. I will continue to train hard and aim to compete in more tournaments in the future.”
Meanwhile, Chimmi Wangmo, Zigdal Zangmo, Norbu Dema, Tashi Lhamo, and Sonam Choden claimed silver medals for Bhutan.
Bhutan Boxing Federation’s head coach applauded the athletes for their spirit and performance.
“The children performed beyond my expectations. This achievement was possible, thanks to the strong support from the Royal Bhutan Army and the Bhutan Olympic Committee, and I would like to sincerely thank them.”
Bhutan dominated the medal table with 7 gold, 5 silver and 4 bronze. Nepal followed with 3 gold, 4 silver, and 2 bronze medals. India came third with 2 gold, 4 silver, and 2 bronze. Bangladesh rounded out the medal table with 1 gold and 3 bronze.
All medalists received trophies and certificates during the closing ceremony yesterday.
Karma Wangdi
Edited by Kipchu
