EXCLUSIVE | Puro Okelle Urges Youth to Dream Big as South Sudan’s Muay Thai Champions Head Home

 

EXCLUSIVE | Puro Okelle Urges Youth to Dream Big as South Sudan’s Muay Thai Champions Head Home



By: Emmanuel Patrick Laku | Sports Hunter South Sudan 

Juba, South Sudan - 19th March 2026 - The President of the South Sudan Kickboxing Federation, Puro Okelle Obob , has called on young people across the country to stay focused on their ambitions following the historic success of the three South Sudanese fighters at the 7th World Muay Thai Championship in Pattaya, Thailand.

Okelle, who also serves as head coach, confirmed to Sports Hunter South Sudan that the three fighters are currently at Bangkok Airport and are expected to arrive in Juba on Friday at 9:30 AM aboard Ethiopian Airlines.

The championship, held from March 12 to 18, 2026, brought together dozens of countries including Argentina, the Philippines, China, Thailand, Sri Lanka, India, Brazil, and France.

The trio returns after a remarkable performance on the global stage, headlined by Abednego Thon, popularly known as “Wizzy,” who was crowned champion in the 68kg category. Wizzy secured his debut international gold medal after defeating the Philippines’ JC A. Pascuel in the final.

South Sudan’s dominance was further highlighted by fighters Majok and Okony, who successfully defended the gold medals they won in last year’s championship.



Speaking exclusively to Sports Hunter South Sudan, Okelle described the achievement as a powerful message of hope and determination:

“This is a milestone for all young people who are dreaming to be world champions, to follow their dreams and really really concentrate on what they want to do in life, because life like it’s always say is not an easy task and it’s almost about the hardest task in the world to really achieve one good dream.”

He emphasized that the accomplishments of the fighters should inspire not only South Sudanese youth but aspiring athletes across Africa:

“Our three athletes have pave the way for the younger South Sudanese and also the Africans who are dreaming to come to maybe Thailand who want to pursue Muay Thai or Thai boxing dreams as well.”

Okelle also used the moment to send a broader message of unity and national pride:

“Let’s give peace a chance, and we are now in global stage and we want to see South Sudan in a global stage in different activities and a different talent so that we can explore in the world.”

The three fighters are expected to receive a hero’s welcome upon their arrival in Juba, marking one of South Sudan’s most successful moments in international Muay Thai and combat sports.



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