back in time
1920-1929
A chronological list of events, results and general information
A chronological list of events, results and general information
All dates related to Burmese boxing are highlighted. Dates that have no relation or importance are not.
Every entry has a source and is available offline/off-site.
General information:
When someone uses Nga as a prefix, it usually means the remaining part of their name is omitted.
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General information:
An anthology on poetry by Pagan U Tin (1861-1933) was compiled and published this year (according to the National Library of Myanmar catalogue). Titled "Gabyar Bandathara Kyan" or "Essence of Poetry", it contains a single page featuring the language of grappling and boxing, previously not found in printed books. It is the verbal challenge and rhythmic speech of Thar Han, a boxer during the reign of King Mindon (1853-1878). Translated below is a dynamic equivalence of the original.
Part - III The Language of Grappling (Lethpwei) & Boxing (Lethwei) 671
124 – Verbal Challenges, Rhythmic Speeches, and Four-Beat Lines from Lethwei and Lethpwei Traditions – Not Found in Printed Books
Prologue… Buffalo, Buffalo, Hey Water-Soaked Buffalo! If a worthy opponent dares to step in, I’ll push you beyond the line and torment you with my left lead – it is best you stay away!
I’m Thar Han, unbeaten throughout my life, a travelling boxer who never lacked an opponent. With mantras spoken and measures set upon this fully prepared stage, I master two arts: boxing and grappling. Their combined power spreads wide, churning like a rainstorm. Whoever I face, from bout to bout, to this very day, winning has been my way. Firm and radiant like a golden flower – unbroken, unwavering – in this match as well, I shall step forward. Guided by royal techniques and the great martial arts forms, moving to the rhythm led by Sayar Gwan (Master of the Hsaing Circle), I advance. Rough and angled, bold and uncommon, striking straight and strong – come, let the opening clash begin!
Four-beat cadence (Lay Hsit Than Htauk) – A loyal subject of a throne-holding lord, one who submits royal tribute (taxes), from Myothar township, raised under the Governor of the Golden City. Unmatched on either side, my arms firm and resolute, yielding no ground – a lord who commands the blade. I am Thar Han of the royal boxing line. When I step onto the platform, bodies will tremble – best to keep your distance and stay clear from the start.
This boxing challenge text and rhythmic four-beat cadence declamation were performed by Thar Han, a boxer who was personally raised and trained by U Thar Ohh, the Governor of Myothar and Mayor of the Golden City (Mandalay), a court servant attached to the King. The performance took place during the Shin Pin Ohn Inn Pagoda Festival boxing match.
It consisted of spoken boxing challenge verses, grappling and boxing declarations (Lethpwae and Lethwei), accompanied by traditional Hsaing musical cues and four-beat rhythmic percussion. These forms of boxing speech, rhythmic patterns, and performance structures have not previously appeared in printed books.
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October 29 - [Thuriya] Two full-page advertisements for the festivities on the occasion of Governor Sir Spencer Harcourt Butler's farewell. One in English, the other in Burmese including a list with 48 names of boxers who will participate in the tournament from November 3 to November 8. There is also a separate fixture for October 30, but it's unclear if it's part of the tournament.
The various prizes are listed as follows:
First class winner: Sir Joseph Augustus Maung Gyi's gold medal
First class runner-up: U Kyaw Zan's gold medal
Second class winner: U Thin Maung's gold medal
Second class runner-up: U Ba Dunn's gold medal
The list of 48 participants printed at the bottom in which they seem to be seeded:
Bala Sein, La Yaung, Kular Pyan, La Min, Phyu Kalay, Bioscope, Htee Latt, Bo Thit, Doe Kalay (1), San Shar, Aung Hla, Kular
Tagon Sein Kalay, Doe Kalay, Pauk Kyaw, Tit Kalay, Yar Kyaw, Awba Sein, Lat To, Nga Phyo, Kappali, Bo Nyan, Nga Pein, Zin Yaw
Aung Bala Gyi, Aung Bala Kalay, Ein Min, La Kalay, Tun Yin, Sein Win, Maung Myaing, Za Paw, Hla Mway, Khway Kalay, Yar Pyat, Taing Chit
Lay Yin Pyan, A To, Bone Pyan, Nga Pein, Nga Khway, Taing Chit, Saw Shwe, Mya Tun, Tun Yone, Ba Thaw, Thar Yin, Thar Gaung
It should be mentioned that the headline of the Burmese ad reads Lepwei, while every other mention specifies Burmese boxing.
October 31 - [Thuriya] A column sized advertisement for the Burmese boxing tournament at Kandawgyi Lake in honour of the Governor's farewell. The consolation prizes are not yet mentioned and there is no list of boxers.
Elsewhere in the newspaper an outline of events is also given for the festival held in Rangoon. Among other things, there will be Burmese boxing and Indian wrestling matches surrounding Kandawgyi Lake from November 3 to November 8. The events will have to be paid for.
October 31 - [The Civil & Military Gazette (Lahore)] The festivities in Rangoon are described and the Governor's obligations are detailed. The entertainments at Dalhousie Park and at the Royal Lakes will begin on November 3 and continue till November 8. It says a Burmese boxing tournament and India wrestling are among the other entertainments.
November 5 - [Thuriya] Today's paper lists another set of advertisements in both English and Burmese for a Burmese boxing tournament at Kandawgyi lake in Rangoon, in which the winner in first class will receive Sir Joseph Augustus Maung Gyi's gold medal. Consolation prizes have been added and a few names on the boxer list have changed.
The various prizes are listed as follows:
First class winner: Sir Joseph Augustus Maung Gyi's gold medal
First class runner-up: U Kyaw Zan's gold medal
Second class winner: U Thin Maung's gold medal
Second class runner-up: U Ba Dunn's gold medal
First class consolation prize: U Thar Din Gyi's gold medal
Second class consolation prize: Mr. Lim Kar Taik's cup
The feature has a large list of 56 participants:
Bala Sein, La Yaung, Kular Pyan, La Min, Phyu Kalay, Bioscope, Htee Latt, Dan Bauk, Doe Phyu Kalay, San Shar, Aung Hla, Sein Pu, Yenanchaung Maung Myit, Sein Kalay
Tagon Sein Kalay, Doe Kalay, Pauk Kyaw, Tit Kalay, Yar Kyaw, Awba Sein, Lat To, Nga Phyo, Kappali, Mandalay Bo Nyan, Nay Thar, Zin Yaw, Ta Taung Bo, Kyaw Dunn
Aung Bala Gyi, Aung Bala Kalay, Ein Min, La Kalay, Tun Yin, Sein Win, Maung Myaing, Za Paw, Hla Mway, Maung Tar, Yar Pyat, Taing Chit, Ba Thein, Bou Wa
Lay Yin Pyan, Chit Bay, Bone Pyan, Nga Pein, Bee Naung, Taing Chit, Saw Shwe, Mya Tun, Tun Yone, Ba Thaw, Thar Yin, Thar Gaung, Nga Kywet, Tun Oo
Event overview:
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