KUCHING: The sport of Muay Thai has captured the interest of many Sarawakian youths and has the potential to produce fighters of international calibre, beyond just local champions.
Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah described the growth of Muay Thai and its clubs as ‘growing like mushrooms’ .
“This demonstrates that many Sarawakians are keen on Muay Thai,” he said in his address at the 8th edition of the TYT Muay Thai Championship Cup held at the Kuching Amphitheatre, here last night (Oct 5).
He added that the tournament has successfully attracted youths from across Sarawak to participate in the sport.
“This sport is developing rapidly, and we can see that Muay Thai has already produced champions, including international ones,” he added.
Abdul Karim also pointed out Sarawak’s achievements in Muay Thai at the Malaysia Games (SUKMA) 2024, where the state clinched five gold, four silver, and one bronze medal, marking their best performance in the sport to date.
“Tonight is proof that this sport has managed to attract the interest and hearts of many residents of Kuching and Semarahan.
“Even in less-than-favourable weather, many of us are here, willing to brave the rain to celebrate together,” he said.
Encouraging parental support, Abdul Karim urged parents to back their children’s interest in Muay Thai, using Sarawakian fighter Johan ‘Jojo’ Ghazali as an example, whose parents played a crucial role in his journey to becoming a successful fighter.
“I urge parents, if you have children interested in Muay Thai, to back them so this sport can continue to thrive in Sarawak,” he said.
At the conclusion of the tournament, Muay Thai Kenyalang Club was crowned the overall champion of the TYT Muay Thai Championship Cup.
The tournament saw the participation of 200 athletes from various local clubs across the country, including 30 fighters from Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Thailand, and Iran.
Also present at the event were Kuching North City Hall (DBKU) Mayor Datuk Hilmy Othman and Sarawak Muay Thai Association President Jumaat Ibrahim.
The tournament, which began on Oct 3, will conclude today (Oct 6).
