Roaring with pride on world stage
GENTING HIGHLANDS: Malaysia finished third in the 15th Genting World Lion Dance Championship held at the Arena of Stars here.
The final featured nine teams from Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, Myanmar, China and Taiwan, vying for the title.
Making their debut in the competition, the Catholic High School Petaling Jaya Alumni Association Dragon and Lion Dance Troupe scored 9.59 points, earning them US$6,000 (RM25,300), a trophy, and medals presented by Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
Troupe member Michael Oh Head said the team felt the pressure of representing Malaysia, but gave their best.
'We will continue to train for better results and hope for more chances to represent Malaysia and bring glory to the country,' he said after the prize-giving ceremony yesterday.
Two other Malaysian teams, Kwong Ngai Lion Dance and Malaysia Xuan Long Dragon and Lion Dance Rawang Selangor, also made the finals.
The Kwong Ngai Lion Dance troupe emerged seventh with 8.89 points, while the team from Rawang had to withdraw after a team member sustained a leg injury, reported Bernama.
Malaysian Lion Dance Association advisor Siow Ho Phiew said he was proud of the national teams' achievements, and that reaching the final was a significant accomplishment.
'When it comes to major championships, we must work hard to become world champions.'
The Genting championship saw Singapore B, represented by Yi Mei Athletic Association, crowned champion with 9.78 points while their counterparts, Singapore A, also represented by the same association, finished second with 9.66 points.
They received US$18,000 (RM75,900) and US$10,000 (RM42,200) respectively, along with trophies and medals.
Resorts World Genting sales, marketing and public relations executive vice-president Spencer Lee said this year's competition stood out for its creative use of props and storytelling, transforming lion dance into a high-endurance sport.
'We hope lion dance will one day become an international sport, featured in the SEA Games, Asian Games or even the Olympic.'
The event was organised by Resorts World Genting and Selangor and Federal Territory Dragon and Lion Dance Federation.
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