Among the fighters who represented various Far North martial arts factions at the IFMA Youth World Championships in Bangkok earlier this month were, from back left, Tasha Wihongi, Manu Tepania, Matthew Wihongi, and Kaitaia brothers David and Adam Halkyard-Leaf.
Far North fighters stood out for the New Zealand Black Gloves contingent at the 2017 IFMA Youth World Championships in Bangkok from August 3-11.
The most successful of the local performers at the major international mixed martial arts event were Tasha Wihongi from Kaikohe winning silver, and Lfah Trego from
the East Coast Muay Thai faction claiming bronze. Both fought Thai nationals in their respective medal bouts.
Wihongi's trainer Nik Jessop said the Thailand campaign represented an amazing experience for all the local children, their clubs and coaches and also their supporters and communities considering the nature of the journey from inception, selection, build up as well as the various extensive fundraising ventures undertaken to cover airfares and accommodation.
Other locals in the New Zealand team included Matthew Wihongi (Tasha's brother), Manu Tepania (Lfah's ECMT stablemate) along with Lani Dumas, David Halkyard and Adam Halkyard from Far North Thai Boxing Kaitaia.
"As the sport moves into the Olympic Games, we are happy to have our youth participating and succeeding on the world stage," said Jessop.
