For Muay Thai exponent Jeryl Khoo, entering the Asian Muaythai Championships in the men’s 75kg bracket came with no expectation, but ended with the Singapore flag flying high.
The 27-year-old national athlete and fitness trainer, who moved up from 71kg from 75kg, strung together two decisive victories (in a four-man bracket) in Thai Nguyen, Vietnam, to clinch one of Singapore’s two gold medals at the six-day continental meet in June. Across the seven-strong squad, Singapore returned with a medal in every category: two golds, two silvers and four bronzes, including para and wai kru disciplines.
“To be honest, for the competitive side of Muay Thai, I am having fun and enjoying fighting and competing. I feel like I don’t really have pressure,” Khoo said after his win.
This gold caps a remarkable rise for Khoo, whose first professional fight came almost by accident. Initially registered for a pro-amateur bracket at the International Thai Martial Arts (ITMA) Games, he was encouraged at the last minute to enter the professional category instead. Despite nerves, he finished second in the men’s 67kg, losing only to a referee stoppage due to technical knockout.
Two years later, Khoo returned to the same competition and delivered a statement win, dispatching his Australian opponent by second-round technical knockout. Now, he is channeling that form towards the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in December.
“Standing on the podium and hearing the national anthem was a very proud moment. It makes me want to keep pushing and represent Singapore at the SEA Games, to show we can compete against the best,” he added.
Building towards redemption
Also making waves in Vietnam was Cheryl Gwa, one of Singapore Muay Thai’s longest-serving fighters. The 2023 world championships runner-up earned silver in the women’s 48kg category, defeating India’s Anita Rai before falling to Thailand’s Apichaya Lekmat in the final.
Gwa then quickly switched focus to her World Games debut in Chengdu, where she drew eventual champion Liu Xiaohui in the opening round. Although her campaign ended early, Gwa gained valuable insight into the field — particularly rivals Rudzma Abubakar (Philippines) and Kullanat Aonok (Thailand), both SEA Games contenders.
“It’s not so much about winning or losing anymore. It’s about the quality of my fight. Every bout is a learning experience, and I was able to study my potential SEA Games opponents up close,” said Gwa, who won SEA Games bronze in 2021.
Looking ahead, she is determined to build on her experience and climb higher.
“I am aiming for silver at least, because I already have a bronze. For my division, Southeast Asia is as competitive as the world stage. If I can medal at the SEA Games again, it will mean a lot.”
A squad on the rise
Team manager Kenneth Lim believes the collective results underline how far Singapore Muay Thai has progressed.
“To see everyone coming home with medals at the Asian Championships is truly special. It shows our depth and the hard work put in by the athletes and coaches. This is just the beginning. The SEA Games is next, and we want to prove we belong at the highest level.”
With momentum on their side, Singapore’s Muay Thai fighters are no longer content with participation alone. Their eyes are firmly fixed on making a statement in Thailand later this year.
CONFIRMED LIST OF MUAY THAI ATHLETES FOR SEA GAMES 2025:
Gwa Wei Ying Cheryl, 35
Women 48kg
Teo An Ling Ginny, 25
Women 54kg
Lim Shu-Anne Samantha, 27
Women Waikru Individual
Jeryl Khoo Chung Yang, 27
Men 71kg
Terrence Teo Jia Jin, 34
Men 75kg
Men Waikru Individual
Led by Team Manager Kenneth Lim
