KUCHING: Sarawak’s Muay Thai exponents sprang some surprises at National Muay Thai Fit Warrior competition held at Putra Jaya from May 21 to 26 by reaching the semi-finals.The Thai combat sport was introduced to the state only recently and the three fighters Stephen Onn (67-71kg category), Mohd Zahid Haizan (57-60kg) and Muhammad Hisyam Jawan (63.5-67kg), representing the state were not expected to go beyond the preliminary rounds. The trio won the event’s overall third place to qualify for the semi-finals.
Team manager Jumaat Ibrahim was happy to note that fighters from the state had proven that they could catch up with those from other states where the sport had been established much earlier.
“We went to this competition to prove that Sarawak can do well as any other state in Muay Thai.
“This sport is fast gaining popularity in the state and we can see the results in this tournament,” he said.
Jumaat thanked the Sarawak State Sports Council and the Ministry of Social Development for their support to the team and local Muay Thai clubs which had been promoting the sport.
“There are few Sarawak-based Muay Thai clubs in the state. We would especially like to thank SS Fighters Muay Thai Club of Petra Jaya, Kenyalang Muay Thai Club and Lempong Silat and Muay Thai Club,” he said.