Mizoram emerged champions in the North East Regional Muaythai Championship, with around 350 fighters from across the eight northeastern states competing in 100 categories. Meghalaya finished as first runner-up and Tripura second runner-up in the championship organised by the Mizoram Muaythai Association at R. Dengthuama Hall here.  Chief Minister Lalduhoma attended the closing ceremony and congratulated the participating fighters.

Addressing the gathering, Lalduhoma said 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. He cited Mizo fighter Nazareth Lalthazuala, who has secured a contract with ONE Championship, as an example of opportunities available in the sport.

The Chief Minister said contact sports are particularly suited to the youth of Mizoram and other northeastern states and urged young people to pursue their sporting talents with determination. He called upon the fighters to train harder and strive for excellence, saying sports could provide livelihoods as well as bring honour to the state and strengthen bonds among people in the region.