PETALING JAYA, May 20 — The 32nd SEA Games in Phnom Penh in Cambodia was a bittersweet episode in the career of LGBT Thai kickboxer “Jimmy” Pikanet Sukyik.
While the karate and kickboxing athlete managed to secure a bronze medal in the kick light Men’s 69kg category, he almost didn’t get to compete after winning the early round — for a ‘flamboyant’ victory celebration that went viral.
After his victory over Vietnam’s Chi Than Bui Duay in the qualifying rounds, he offered a victory curtsy, his signature slow twirl, before strutting off the floor, struck a pose and offered another curtsy before jumping into the arms of a member of the Thai team celebrating his win.
@jimmy.sukyik จิมขอขอบคุณช่อง @Nguyenlinhhqd และทุกช่องทาง ที่ให้ยอมรับอย่างอบอุ่นในทุกๆคอมเม้นที่เอ็นดูและรักจิมนะค้าบบบบ......รักกกกก #fyp #cambodia2023 #seagames2023 #จิมมี่พิฆเนศ #jimmykickboxing original sound - jimmy.sukyik
As his spirited celebration went viral, the Asian Kickboxing Federation (AKF) did not appreciate his actions, handing him out a warning for his display which was deemed disrespectful to his opponent and threatening to bar him from competing.
Kickboxing Association of Thailand representatives reportedly threatened withdrawal of the whole national team according to SiamSport before AKF said it would allow the Jimmy to compete, before the athlete and Thai kickboxing team manager Prawit Sawatdiraksa.agreed signed an apology and promise he would not repeat his actions again.
The association confirmed yesterday that it would send a letter to address and review the matter and establish uniform criteria and decision-making standards.
