The Lao judo squad's chances of success at the 25th SEA Games in Vientiane this December received a boost after they won three gold medals in the East Asia Judo Championship 2009 at Lao-ITECC last week.
The sixteen member squad claimed second place at the tournament after winning three gold, two silver and 18 bronze medals.
Judo fighters from Indonesia , Myanmar , Singapore , Thailand , Vietnam , Malaysia and Laos competed in the championships which were held over two days, August 6-7.
Ms Mayouly Phanouvong won a gold medal in the 45kg category, while Ms Phonevanh Si-amphone won a silver medal in the women's 48kg category.
The two later combined to win a gold medal in the women's pair event.
Ms Mayouly and Ms Phonevanh claimed gold in the event at the last SEA Games in 2007 and are confident of retaining their title later this year.
Ms Phonevanh said she was overcome by the power of her Vietnamese opponent in her gold medal bout at the championships.
She said the Vietnamese fighters will pose a strong threat to the Lao team at the games later this year.
President of the Lao Judo Federation, Mr Khemsath Philaphandeth said the championships were a great success and provided all athletes in the region an opportunity to gain some match practice before the SEA Games commence.
Mr Khemsath thanked the competition organising committee and the athletes who attended the event. He expressed his hope that many will return to compete at the games.
The federation will add athletes to compete in the judo dancing style event to the SEA Games squad.
Results of the East Asia Judo Championship 2009:
Country Gold Silver Bronze
Vietnam 11 4 1
Laos 3 2 18
Myanmar 2 4 2
Thailand 0 3 4
Indonesia 0 2 2
Singapore 0 1 2
Some bronze medals were awarded to third and fourth placer getters.
By Sangkhomsay Bubphanouvong
Vientianetimes
