Sanda Fighters Prove Prowess in Muaythai Championships
KUCHING (May 28): Three athletes from the Sarawak Sukma XXI sanda squad showcased their exceptional skills at the recent Sarawak Premier Cup Muaythai Championships held at Naim Street Mall @Paragon Bintulu.
Hiu Bong Shen, 18, and 17-year-old Joaquin Chai Xin Zhe both secured gold medals, while 20-year-old Muhd Asyraf Khalidi earned a silver medal in their respective categories.
In a thrilling 54kg final, Hiu Bong Shen triumphed over Nasrul Hakim Rosdi of Kilas Petra Jaya. Joaquin Chai Xin Zhe claimed victory against Joshua Johny of Warmonger Fight Academy in the 57kg final. Despite a strong effort, Muhd Asyraf Khalidi was narrowly defeated by Baxter Nathaniel Chong of Sabah Monster Muaythai in the 69kg final.
The trio were part of the five-member Mad Fight (MMA) Club team that competed in the three-day tournament organized by the Sarawak Muaythai Association.
Xavier Wee Hao Zhe, 11, added another gold medal to the team’s haul by defeating Muhd Fakhri Aqbar of Kilas Petra Jaya in the 42kg bout. Meanwhile, 13-year-old Amber Sim Jia Xuan secured a silver medal in the 48kg category after a tough match against Nur Adreena Zakaria of Pheonix Menarek.
Club coach Tsan Nieng Khai expressed his pride and satisfaction with the team’s performance, as all participating fighters returned with medals.
“The athletes have done well, and this is one of the tournaments that we send the state sanda athletes to gain more match exposure. With the experience gained, I am hoping that the athletes will do well too in the sanda competition in the coming Sarawak Sukma XXI,” said Tsan, who is also the club president and state sanda coach.
