
Sarawak Premier Cup Muaythai Championship planned for Sept comeback at Bintulu's Naim Street Mall
KUCHING (Aug 2): The Sarawak Muaythai Association (PMNS) is planning to bring back the Sarawak Premier Cup Muaythai Championship this September in Bintulu.
With the venue planned at Naim Street Mall again, PMNS president Jumaat Ibrahim said that this year's championship is expected to attract over 300 participants from across Malaysia and around the world.
'We are hoping to get the strong support from the federal and state governments as well as corporate sponsors to organise this championship.
'For the organising of the Sarawak Premier Cup last year, we received funding support from the federal Ministry of Youth and Sports and the State Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development,' he told reporters during a PMNS thanksgiving dinner on Friday.
The dinner was to celebrate Sarawak's outstanding performance at the recent National Combat Sports Championship (Pre-Sukma) and Muaythai National Grand Prix, held at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil from July 24–27.
Sarawak finished second overall, behind Sabah and ahead of Melaka, securing nine gold, five silver, and 10 bronze medals.
The state team comprised clubs under KSSC Sarawak, including Muaythai Kenyalang Club, Sting Kuching, Phoenix Meranek Samarahan, Bau MT Club, SS Fighter Petrajaya, Singa 30 Miri, and Legacy Kuching. They were joined by four independent clubs — D30 Miri, PS Bintulu, Kilas Petra Jaya, and Rentap Kuching — who participated using their own resources.
Among the standout athletes was Sukma XXI silver medallist Azhad Haziq Syafaat Abdul Khalid, who won the National Championship Belt in the 75kg–80kg category and defeated a larger opponent in his bout.
Another highlight was Adrynna Thanichaa of Rentap Muaythai Club, who clinched gold and was named Best Female Boxer of the tournament.
Jumaat praised the athletes' efforts, noting that the competition served as a valuable exposure platform.
'We didn't set high expectations for this event — our main mission was to give our athletes exposure.
'Still, they performed brilliantly and brought home nine golds, five silvers, and 10 bronze medals, earning us the runner-up title.
'Congratulations to all. Many of these athletes are still young and relatively new, but they've shown incredible potential to go far,' he said.
He reminded the athletes that consistent training and discipline are key to long-term success and reiterated PMNS' commitment to sending athletes to more tournaments for experience.
'Our main goal remains — to retain our muaythai championship title at Sukma Selangor next year. But we're aware it won't be easy, as other states are also stepping up their game.
'Events like this and the ones to come are part of our roadmap to prepare everyone for Sukma 2026. So keep training diligently,' he said.
Jumaat also thanked the Sarawak government, Sarawak Sports Corporation, and Sarawak State Sports Council for their continued support, along with coaches, team managers, and parents for their vital contributions.
The national tournament drew over 2,000 participants across five combat sports — karate, wushu, muaythai, silat, and wrestling — and was officially launched by Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh. Bintulu Naim Street Mall Sarawak Premier Cup Muaythai Championship
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