Bangkok: Thai taekwondo fighters delivered an outstanding performance, sweeping three gold medals on the first day of the SEA Games.

According to Thai News Agency, the 33rd SEA Games Taekwondo competition, held at Fashion Island Shopping Mall, saw the Thai team excel in the sparring events, which featured four gold medals up for grabs on the first day. The team clinched three of these gold medals, showcasing their dominance in the sport.

In the women’s 46 kg category, “Im” Patcharakarn Poonkird emerged victorious. She defeated Sangdao Homsombat from Laos in the quarterfinals with a score of 2-0 (10-2, 13-1) and advanced past Nguyen Thi Mai from Vietnam with another 2-0 (10-2, 17-15) win, reaching the finals. In the gold medal match, Patcharakarn faced Clarence Sarza from the Philippines and secured the gold by winning 2-0 (7-2, 12-2).

The women’s 67 kg category saw Piyachattrija Chariwan, known as “Gamkwan,” competing fiercely. With only three competitors in this category and the withdrawal of Vann Bory from Cambodia, Piyachattrija’s semi-final match against Kay Thwe Mon Lin from Myanmar effectively became the final. Piyachattrija claimed the gold medal with a dominant 2-0 (28-6, 29-4) victory.

In the men’s 87 kg category, “Cho” Chaychon Cho showcased remarkable resilience. After defeating Osanando Na Khairudin from Indonesia 2-0 (8-6, 19-4) in the semi-final, Chaychon faced a tough final against Muhammad Siafiq Suber from Malaysia. Despite losing the first round 5-10, Chaychon made a strong comeback in the second round, winning 8-3. The decisive final round saw Chaychon secure a 10-5 victory, earning him a 2-1 win and the third gold medal for Thailand.

In contrast, the men’s 54 kg category saw “Army” Wisawakorn Jaichu being eliminated in the quarterfinals, losing to Kurt Bryan Barbosa from the Philippines 1-2 rounds. The competition is set to continue with finals for four more weight classes tomorrow.