Gloves off as women take to Myanmar’s ferocious kickboxing style

Hard knocks: A woman practicing Lethwei at a gym in Yangon. — AFP

YANGON: Moe Pwint Oo shoots the grimy punchbag a steely glare before slamming her fist into it, striking a blow for equality as she practises Myanmar’s homespun martial art Lethwei – a sport that encourages head-butting and grants victory by knock-out only.

The petite medical sciences student is one of a growing number of women taking up Lethwei kickboxing, building up a sweat in the yard of a gritty Yangon gym where some of the country’s best fighters train alongside local enthusiasts, expats and even the odd actress.