Vietnam withdraws fighter from SEA Games Muay Thai semifinal over judging dispute

The bout took place at Bangkok’s Lumpinee venue, where Mai appeared to control the contest and knocked down her Philippine opponent, Islay Erika Bomogao, during the fight.

Despite that, judges awarded the first two rounds to the Philippine fighter, prompting Vietnam’s coach Nguyen Huy Thinh to protest the decision and pull Mai out of the match before it was completed.

Officials called Mai back to continue, but she and her coach left the ring after acknowledging the crowd, resulting in Bomogao being awarded the victory and advancing to the final against Thailand’s Noon-Eiad Arissara.

Vietnamese officials said the incident added to concerns over officiating at the SEA Games’ combat sports, after other Vietnamese fighters were eliminated in recent days following disputed decisions.

Earlier, Vietnamese mixed martial artist Pham Van Nam lost his under-56 kg semifinal to a Thai opponent, while pencak silat fighter Vu Van Kien was defeated in the men’s 60 kg semifinal despite leading on points.

The 2025 SEA Games run from December 9 to December 20 in Thailand and feature athletes from 11 countries.

Vietnam has sent 1,165 delegation members and is targeting between 80 and 100 gold medals.

Muay Thai competition at the SEA Games runs from December 13 to 19 and features 18 events.

As of 2:40 pm on Wednesday, Vietnam was third in the medal standings with 55 golds, 58 silvers, and 83 bronzes.

Host Thailand led the medal table with 162 golds, 105 silvers and 69 bronzes, while Indonesia held second place with 68 gold, 75 silver, and 79 bronze medals.