KATHMANDU, March 20: Nepal's Gunaraj Ruchal clinched gold at the 19th Muay Thai World Championship on Tuesday, marking a historic achievement in Muay Thai for the nation.
Competing in the semi-pro men's 54 kg category, Ruchal secured the victory against Italy's Graviel Olariu in the event held in Bangkok, Thailand.
Gold medalist Rai feted
Ganesh Lal Kashpati, president of the Nepal National Muay Thai Association, highlighted that before Ruchal, no Nepali athlete had ever won gold in the semi-pro division of the World Championship.
This victory came on Ruchal's eighth attempt at the World Championship, representing the highest achievement by any Nepali athlete in Muay Thai to date.