Spirited participants and Julaihi (centre) gesture during the tournament’s closing ceremony.
KUCHING (Nov 25): A total of 288 young practitioners from across Sarawak competed in the inaugural edition of the ‘YB Dato Sri Haji Julaihi bin Haji Narawi Invitation Silat Championships’.
Pleased with how the tournament transpired, the Utilities and Telecommunications Minister has announced plans to make it an annual fixture from next year.
“This turnout is a testament to the improved road access to Sebuyau. I am honoured to ensure that this championship continues annually starting from next year.
“It will not only strengthen the ties among silat enthusiasts but also elevate the prestige of silat in Sebuyau,” he said at the closing ceremony held at Dewan Pembangunan Sebuyau today.
Julaihi, who is also the Sebuyau assemblyman, announced an allocation from the Minor Rural Projects (MRP) 2025 grant to support the next edition, in aid of the event organiser Pertubuhan Seni Silat Helang Putih Perkasa (SHPP) Sebuyau.
He also highlighted the close collaboration between the association, Sebuyau District Office and Rumput Silat Sarawak in organising the competition.
In this inaugural edition, SHPP Sebuyau A emerged as the ‘Usia Dini’ (early youth) champion after securing six gold, two silver and four bronze medals. Finishing second and third were SHPP Kuching (5-0-3) and Pertubuhan Gerak Silat Bayang Miri (3-0-2).
SHPP Sarikei topped the ‘Pra Remaja (pre-teen) leaderboard with six gold, three silver and 1 bronze, followed by SHPP Sebuyau A (4-2-2) and SHPP Belaga (2-1-3).
Cash awards for RM10,000 (champion), RM5,000 (second place) and RM3,000 (third place) were among the prizes given out.