Mizoram crowned champions at regional Muaythai meet
Mizoram emerged champions in the North East Regional Muaythai Championship after a four-day competition that drew about 350 fighters from the eight northeastern states. The event, staged by the Mizoram Muaythai Association at R. Dengthuama Hall, featured contests across 100 categories.
Meghalaya finished as first runner-up and Tripura took the second runner-up spot, organisers reported at the closing ceremony. Chief Minister Lalduhoma attended the finale and extended his congratulations to the participants.
"Muaythai had emerged as a prominent contact sport globally and, although it was yet to be included in the Olympics, had developed into a professional discipline capable of providing livelihood opportunities," Lalduhoma said.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Minister said contact sports were particularly well suited to the youth of Mizoram and other northeastern states and urged young people to cultivate their sporting talents with determination. He urged fighters to intensify their training and strive for excellence, noting sports can both provide livelihoods and bring honour to the state while strengthening regional bonds.
Lalduhoma pointed to the example of Mizo fighter Nazareth Lalthazuala, who has secured a contract with ONE Championship, as evidence of the professional pathways that Muaythai can open for athletes from the region.
Scale and structure of the championship
The championship assembled roughly 350 competitors across 100 weight and age categories, representing all eight northeastern states. The wide range of categories underlined the organisers’ intention to accommodate both junior and senior athletes, and to foster competitive experience across different weight classes.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Participants | About 350 fighters |
| Categories | 100 |
| Organiser | Mizoram Muaythai Association |
| Venue | R. Dengthuama Hall |
| Top three teams | 1. Mizoram 2. Meghalaya 3. Tripura |
What the result means for sport in the region
The victory will be seen as confirmation of Mizoram’s growing strength in contact sports. Organisers and state leaders framed the championship as a platform for talent identification and career development in professional combat sports. By citing a local athlete’s move to a major international promotion, officials underscored the potential economic and professional benefits for successful fighters.
- Regional participation: All eight northeastern states were represented, increasing competitive exposure for athletes.
- Pathways to pro ranks: Presence of fighters like Nazareth Lalthazuala, with contracts abroad, was highlighted as an aspirational model.
- Government support: Attendance by the Chief Minister signalled political backing for growth of contact sports.
Event organisers said the championship also aimed to build camaraderie among athletes across the Northeast. Officials emphasised that such competitions help sharpen skills, provide benchmarking against peers in neighbouring states, and create visibility for promising fighters who might attract attention from professional promoters and sponsors.
Next steps and local impact
While the organisers provided the broad figures for participants and categories, they have not released a full medal tally or detailed individual bout results at the time of the closing ceremony. The Mizoram Muaythai Association is expected to publish complete results and follow-up plans for selected athletes.
The final ceremony and the Chief Minister’s remarks are likely to encourage state sports bodies to continue support measures for combat sports training centres, coaching programmes and competitive exposure. For young athletes in the state and across the region, organisers said the championship offered tangible opportunities to showcase talent and pursue careers in a sport that is increasingly professionalised internationally.
Officials closed the event with recognition to participating teams and a call for continued investment in athlete development at grassroots and elite levels.
