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Prison Inmates in Thailand Fighting Foreigners for Their Freedom

Muay Thai training at Klong Prem prison in Bangkok, Thailand. The inmates are part of a program that pits prisoners against foreign Muay Thai fighters for a chance of reduced sentencing or early release.

Muay Thai training at Klong Prem prison in Bangkok, Thailand. The inmates are part of a program that pits prisoners against foreign Muay Thai fighters for a chance of reduced sentencing or early release.

BANGKOK – For hundreds of years Thais in prison have attempted to win their freedom through kickboxing matches. And now foreigners are allowed to enter these notorious jails and do battle with the inmates

Moo doesn’t seem like someone with 23 years of a 24-year sentence left to serve. His career as a driver for a drugs gang ended when he was nabbed piloting a carload of yaba, a methamphetamine derivative that translates literally as “crazy drug.” Now the 22-year-old spends 13 hours each day with four other men confined along to a 1.5 x 3.5 meter cell. “I made a big mistake,” says Moo. “And I’ve paid the price for what I did.”

Muay Thai (Thai kickboxing) tournaments have been a fixture of prison regimes in the Southeast Asian nation for centuries. The tradition of holding bouts behind bars started in 1767 when the Burmese took thousands of Thai soldiers prisoner after the downfall of Thailand’s then capital Ayutthaya. While incarcerated, the best Thai boxers were coerced into fighting Burmese combat experts. The ultimate champion, as legend tells it, was a Thai named Nai Khanomtom, who was granted his freedom after besting one of the Burmese monarch’s top fighters.

This ancient tradition of favoring prisoners skilled in the ring is alive and well in Klong Prem and other Thai prisons. But while inmates fight literally for their freedom, international Muay Thai fighters from around the world are now flocking to enjoy a truly unique experience, as well as earn peerless bragging rights.

“It was a special feeling to test my Muay Thai skills out in a Thai prison,” says Alexei Vignol, a 20-year-old from Lyon in France who was narrowly beaten in Klong Prem recently. “I guess you could say that it is intimidating to fight criminals inside a high security facility, but if you get scared by that then you shouldn’t be a boxer.”

The incorporation of foreigners has been spearheaded by an independent organization named Prison Fight. Billing itself as a charity, Prison Fight provides sport equipment, modest financial rewards — inmates’ winnings are squirrelled away in a prison account and used to provide for their families — and, most importantly, offers the successful a realistic chance at getting their sentences reduced.

“We do this to give the fighters an experience and also to give something back to the country,” adds Kiril Sokur, the Estonian businessman behind the Prison Fight enterprise. “Giving these guys [the prisoners] the opportunity to prove their talents is important. They may be criminals but they are also human beings so staging the fights is good karma for us.”

During a recent visit to Klong Prem, we encountered an atmosphere that was surprisingly convivial. As training took place in the ring set up in the prison yard, prisoners clowned around with each other, shadow boxing and dishing out playful clouts. One wiry, grinning inmate with intricate tattoos covering his entire torso, was a particularly energetic presence. “That’s Chui,” said Nikki. “He’s a hitman.”

Section 5 is for Klong Prem’s lifers. It is also the unofficial Muay Thai wing of the prison. Criminals with previous boxing experience like Moo and his cellmates are placed here upon entering Klong Prem. Guards, meanwhile, scout out candidates from other wings for a possible transfer. A long, wide central corridor that separates the cells is used for twice-daily hour-long running sessions. A boxing ring and rudimentary training equipment dominates the outside yard.

We find Moo with his cellmate Pod at the side of the ring. The friends are regarded as two of the best fighters in Klong Prem and both were little troubled by their foreign opponents at the Prison Fight event.

“I wouldn’t say it was easy,” says Moo. “Muay Thai is in our blood though. We understand the techniques and we understand the mentality.”

“It helps us focus our minds,” adds Pod, 35, who collected debts in Bangkok’s infamous Nana Plaza red-light district and has served eight years of a life sentence for murder. “Life here is really boring. The days are long and always the same. Boxing provides distraction and there’s also the chance of getting your time shortened if you become a champion.”

Despite the historical context, granting convicted felons parole for sporting prowess is still controversial. Healthy distraction in the prison yard is one thing, but why should convicted drug runners and murderers earn their freedom with their fists?

“Muay Thai fighters command a lot of respect in Thailand,” says Surawuth Rungrueng, the guard responsible for encouraging the development of boxing in Klong Prem. “It encourages discipline and focus, which is something that that these guys lost somewhere on the outside.”

Sentence reduction is not automatic and if a prisoner behaves badly he won’t be put forward, no matter how skilled he is. “But if a prisoner shows real commitment to improving himself then we are willing to offer incentives,” says Surawuth

Needless to say, the prisoners seize the opportunity. Moo and Pod, relaxed a few minutes ago, burn with intensity inside the ring — hooded eyes fixed, they rain vicious kicks and punches upon the body padding that protects their sparring partners. Chui, the grinning hitman, is also a blur of ferocious movement next door.

“Most of them will be here until their hair grows grey,” admits Surawuth. “The respect Muay Thai affords them is one of the things they can hold onto.” And a little hope never hurt anyone. –

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Bo Bichette’s Injury may Permanently Sideline him, According to the Latest Update.

Bo Bichette

(CTN News) – Bo Bichette, the shortstop for the Toronto Blue Jays, left the game against the Detroit Tigers on Friday after six innings due to a strained right calf.

The game was played against the Tigers. In the end, the Blue Jays were defeated by a score of 5-4 by the opposing team.

Bo Bichette hit a line drive to right field in the bottom of the sixth inning, and it appeared that he injured his calf when he was sprinting to first base. The damage appeared to be caused by the line drive.

The calf that is causing the problem is the same one that Bo Bichette has been experiencing issues with throughout the entire season. After suffering a strain to his right calf fascia on July 10 while playing against the San Francisco Giants, he was forced to sit out the last four games before the All-Star break from the National Football League.

Because of the discomfort in his right calf, he has been out for nine games since then, and he did not return to action until the 24th of June.

Before the trade deadline on July 30, it is very clear that the Blue Jays will be deconstructed for pieces. It is fairly obvious that the Blue Jays have lost any possibility of winning in the American League East, which is a highly competitive division. Additionally, it is pretty certain that they will be disfigured for pieces.

Bo Bichette’s injuries could prevent him from being traded in the future.

However, it is probable that this injury will preclude him from participating in any further trade conversations. Recent trade rumors have stated that Bo Bichette could be a contender for a trade;

However, it is possible that this scenario will not occur. After an MRI was finished on Friday, Bo Bichette was placed on the injured list for a period of ten days. This list will remain in effect until that time.

Bichette will almost definitely be placed on the disabled list for a period of time that is longer than the minimum of ten days, even if the findings of the MRI come back negative. This is because of the recent spate of calf problems that have been occurring.

There is a lack of clarity on whether or not the Blue Jays would have been willing to trade Bo Bichette regardless of the ailment that he was suffering from.

It has been reported that Toronto has informed other clubs that they are not prepared to trade any players who are under their control beyond the year 2024.

Bo Bichette’s contract with the organization ends in 2025.

Additionally, Toronto has informed other teams for this reason. At the beginning of June, it seemed as though the general manager of the Blue Jays, Ross Atkins, was opposed to the concept of trading Bo Bichette while he was still on the team.

Bichette claimed in a recent comment that he would not be “surprised at all” if he were to be traded to a different team. He said this in reference to the possibility of being traded.

His batting average is even worse than it has ever been in his whole career.He has participated in 79 games so far this season, and he has a batting average of 223 and an on-base percentage of.597 to his name.

The two-time winner Despite the fact that the All-Star is having a challenging season, he would have a far higher chance of having a good season if he were to play for a team that was involved in a more intense level of competition.

On the other hand, it would appear that Bichette will not be participating in a game for a substantial amount of time, regardless of whether he is playing for the Blue Jays or for another team.

SOURCE: FS

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Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau started disastrously at the British Open.

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Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau started disastrously at the British Open.

Rory McIlroy

(CTN News) – Forget about Rory McIlroy’s final opportunity to compete in a major tournament this year; the British Open may have been his final opportunity.

At present, his most promising prospect is to endure for an additional day. Bryson DeChambeau, the US Open champion, is also present.

On Thursday, Pinehurst No. 2 protagonists encountered Rory McIlroy’s additional complications as a result of an opposing wind that arrived at Royal Troon. McIlroy required two strokes to emerge from a deep hazard located just to the right of the 123-yard eighth hole, which is referred to as the “Postage Stamp.”

Rory McIlroy’s mallet sailed over the rails after three holes.

It culminated in a 7-over 78, which was his lowest major opening round in five years. “I just didn’t do a good enough job on that back nine, and the conditions were tough,” according to him.

DeChambeau was not significantly superior. He encountered difficulties in making par shots at the outset; on the fourth hole, a par-5, he even missed one from three feet.

The par-5 seventh hole resulted in a double bogey for him as he attempted to strike a 7-iron through dense grass, but the ball was only moved a short distance.

Following his 76, he proceeded to the range to evaluate his equipment and determine the reason for his ball’s failure to connect with the driver as anticipated.

He observed, “That day was unusual.” It is highly unlikely that either of them will forget their involvement in the morning wave or their role as the primary attraction following the U.S. Open.

Rory McIlroy was in complete control of his destiny and was leading by two strokes on the back nine before missing a 30-inch par putt on the 16th hole and another par putt from just within 4 feet on the 18th hole, which prolonged his 10-year major drought.

Making a putt from a bunker 55 yards away, DeChambeau secured his second U.S. Open victory. Rory McIlroy’s finale was so challenging that he departed Pinehurst No. 2 without expressing his gratitude to DeChambeau or expressing any sentiments.

McIlroy was optimistic about his form as he approached the final major of the year, following his tie for fourth at the Rory McIlroy Scottish Open last week. Conversely, the wind came from the opposite direction, disrupting the plans of both him and his colleagues.

On the shortened front nine, where high scores are possible, it was directly in their faces. Assistance was provided from the left on the longer back nine, which is challenging in any conditions. McIlroy was taken aback by the difficulty of the back nine, as Rory McIlroy had anticipated that it would be less difficult.

“The course was exceedingly challenging.” The circumstances are exceedingly difficult due to the wind that has yet to be observed this week. McIlroy stated that the wind dictated his strategy during the practice sessions.

However, according to him, “it starts to present different options and you start to think about maybe hitting a few clubs that you haven’t hit in practice when you get a wind you haven’t played in.”

“Just one of those days where I didn’t adjust to the circumstances well enough.” It was not a satisfactory conclusion to the round. Following his decision to play a driver off the 18th.

On the left, Rory McIlroy fired sideways due to a pot bunker.

He drove the wedge to a distance of Rory McIlroy approximately eight feet, made one final bogie, and missed one additional putt, indicating that there was still a significant amount of work to be done.

In order to survive the weekend, he declared, “I must improve my performance under those circumstances.” If not, I should endeavor to advance further on the leaderboard and feel as though I have a reasonable chance. McIlroy was ten strokes behind the lead when he finished, but he had hoped for a smaller margin.

Until he reached the par-5 16th, DeChambeau did not complete a hole below par. It is more accurate to describe him as a sluggish bleeding individual. That was the only positive aspect of the day. An eagle putt of 55 feet was executed on the 565-yard hole by him.

“I am satisfied with the way in which I maintained my composure today,” stated DeChambeau. It would have been so easy for me to give up at nine o’clock and declare, ‘I’m going home’.” No, sir. There will be an additional opportunity for me tomorrow. As I anticipate the assignment, I am eager to begin.

“I will be fine if I am able to make a few putts, hit a few shots, and figure out how to use the equipment.”

SOURCE: CT

SEE ALSO:

France Reaches Euro 2024 Quarter-Finals with Late Own Goal Against Belgium

Euro 2024: Spain Beats Italy 1-0 to Secure Final 16 Berth

Euro 2024 Host Germany Trounces Scotland’s National Team 5-1

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France Reaches Euro 2024 Quarter-Finals with Late Own Goal Against Belgium

France Reaches Euro 2024 Quarter-Finals with Late Own Goal Against Belgium

(CTN News) – Jan Vertonghen’s late own goal advanced France to the quarterfinals of Euro 2024 at Belgium’s expense. A game that lacked quality and excitement for long stretches appeared destined for extra time, but a shot by replacement Randal Kolo Muani rebounded off Vertonghen with five minutes left to win the victory at Dusseldorf Arena.

France had previously missed multiple chances due to a lack of a cutting edge, and even captain Kylian Mbappe made efforts that would typically go wide.

Belgium could have seized the lead before France’s late goal when Manchester City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne sprinted into space through the middle, but Mike Maignan blocked his effort.

That was the only real opportunity for the underperforming Belgians, as France closed out the final few minutes to advance to the last eight, where they will meet Portugal or Slovenia.

Didier Deschamps’ team deserved to win, but the 2018 world champions will be relieved more than anything else after struggling to convert chances into goals once more.

They dominated play for long stretches but only had one effort on goal in the first half, Antoine Griezmann’s low strike from distance, which was well saved.

Mbappe is one of the world’s top forwards, but even he struggled when given a shooting opportunity, curling over in the second half after doing well to create space for himself.

France is through but still needs to improve.

In the end, they had 19 shots on goal, but only two were on target, and they are still waiting for their first goal from open play in Germany.

In a theme common to all of the bigger teams remaining in Euro 2024, France is struggling to play at the level they are capable of, but for the time being, they will relish being one step closer to the final.

Belgium was booed off the pitch by some fans after only drawing with Ukraine in their last group game, but their supporters were hopeful that they would improve their performance against the French.

However, they were once again overly cautious for extended periods, and their threatening moments were fleeting.

However, they should have punished France for their carelessness with De Bruyne’s effort in the dying moments, while Romelu Lukaku, who is leaving Euro 2024 without a goal, also saw a low shot saved in the second half.

Like Croatia, this has seemed like one last chance for Belgium’s ‘golden generation’, with players like De Bruyne and Lukaku in their 30s.

And, like Croatia, they will leave the tournament wondering whether this was a squandered chance to achieve what could have been with this set of players.

Source: BBC Sports

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