A full-contact Muay Thai bout between two young girls has sparked outrage in Australia after about 500 people watched the seven-year-old and eight-year-old pummel each other to tears.
Sports officials in the northern state of Queensland have launched a probe after the bout on Saturday sparked a barrage of criticism from health experts and Internet users.
Jasmine Parr, daughter of world champion John Wayne Parr, fought three 90-second rounds against seven-year-old Georgina Barton for a prize of A$100 (US$106) at an amateur event at the Gold Coast Police-Citizens Youth Club.
Video footage of the fight showed the girls kicking each other, swinging boxing gloves at their opponent’s head and one throwing the other to the floor as spectators cheered.
Muay Thai is a traditional martial art from Thailand that incorporates the use of elbows and knees in striking, as well as the hands and feet.
Queensland’s minister for child safety and sport said in a statement the bout was “disgraceful.”
“I have three daughters aged under 10 and like many mums and dads across Queensland, I was absolutely appalled at the image of children of this age being put in a boxing ring,” Phil Reeves said. “If reports about a A$100 cash prize for the winning child is correct, then I find the whole situation even more disgraceful. I have instructed the director-general of the Department of Communities to immediately investigate the circumstances of this event. I also want the director-general to provide recommendations on actions the government should consider to ensure the best interests of children are first and foremost when these types of events are being conducted.”
The branch manager of the Gold Coast venue, part of a network of community clubs in partnership with Queensland police, was unavailable for comment.
Parr’s father coached her throughout the bout, urging her on as she wept between rounds, and he said he would prepare her for future fights.
“My daughter and I shared an experience which no medical expert will ever understand,” he told Australian media. “It was amazing, it was history and something we’ll never forget ... Jasmine is already talking about her next fight. She might have two fights a year — I’m not trying to smash her.”
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
Taiwan’s Lee Jhe-huei and Yang Po-hsuan on Saturday won the men’s doubles bronze medal at the Badminton Asia Championships in Ningbo, China, after they were bested by the hosts in their semi-final. The Taiwanese shuttlers lost to China’s Liang Wei Keng and Wang Chang, who advanced to yesterday’s final against Malaysia’s Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzudin. The Chinese pair outplayed Lee and Yang in straight games. Although the Taiwanese got off to a slow start in the first game, they eventually tied it 14-14, before Liang and Wang went on to blow past them to win 21-17. In the second game, Lee and