Hundreds of spectators crammed into the makeshift arena here alongside deputy Prime Ministers from both Southeast Asian nations to watch a sport which epitomises this part of the world like no other.

Action was predictably brutal as competitors punched, kicked and wrestled in a thrilling, high-intensity format.

The highlight came in the women's under 60 kilograms division, where home hope Thi Hai Bui was trailing her final against Thailand's Chenchira Wankhruea before a knee and punch combination left her opponent prostrate on the mat.

Wankhruea was carried off after falling again when attempting to stand.

Thankfully, however, she had recovered in time to receive her medal.

Another home winner was men's under 60kg lightweight star Nguyen Tran Duy Nhat, one of the five Flamelighters at the Opening Ceremony.

Thailand's gold medallists included two reigning male world champions in Arnon Phonkrathok at under 51kg and Wiwat Khamtha in the under 57kg division.

China and Iran each claimed two gold medals each.

Eleven other nations were represented as the sport seeks to promote itself with an eye towards International Olympic Committee (IOC) recognition.

While the muay thai action continued long into the night, athletics competition is being held early in the morning here.

China claimed both gold medals as competition began with two field events.

Nineteen-year-old Zhong Peifeng first won the men's long jump with a leap of 7.53 metres before Liu Xiangrong won the shot put with an effort of 16.06.

Three more gold medals were won in kurash today.

The highlight came in the final bout when Uzbekistan's Suhrob Hudoyberdiev produced an acrobatic throw to beat Turkmenistan's Nuryagdy Jepbarov and win an all-Central Asian under 73kg final.