KUCHING – China Guizhou Tengxian Lion Dance Troupe has claimed the championship in the High Pole Southern Lion Dance category at the Sarawak Open International Dragon and Lion Dance 2026.
The Chinese troupe emerged as the top performer in the category, securing the title at the international competition held in Sarawak.
The result placed the China Guizhou Tengxian Lion Dance Troupe ahead of teams from Malaysia and other participating locations competing in the high pole event.
Sabah Tenom Yongyi Sports Association finished in second place, earning the runner-up position in the category.
Sarawak Chinese Martial Arts Association, also known as CMAA, completed the podium in third place.
The competition is part of the Sarawak Open International Dragon and Lion Dance 2026, which brings together performers and teams involved in dragon and lion dance competitions.
The High Pole Southern Lion Dance category focuses on performances carried out on elevated poles, requiring competitors to demonstrate coordination, balance and control as part of their routines.
The final standings saw the China Guizhou Tengxian Lion Dance Troupe take the highest position, followed by Sabah Tenom Yongyi Sports Association and Sarawak Chinese Martial Arts Association.
The achievement adds another international result to the growing presence of Chinese and Malaysian teams in Sarawak’s dragon and lion dance competitions.
For Sarawak, the participation of CMAA in the competition also placed a local team among the leading performers in the High Pole Southern Lion Dance category.
The prize presentation was conducted by the patrons of SOIDLDC2026, YBhg Dato Tan Guek Kee and Pemanca Tan Kun Gee.
Tan Guek Kee is the chairman of Lee Onn Group, while Tan Kun Gee is the chief executive officer of Aeroville Mall and serves as the competition chairman.
They presented the prizes to the teams following the conclusion of the category.
The event provides a platform for participating teams to compete while showcasing different forms of dragon and lion dance performance.
Lion dance competitions have become an established part of Sarawak’s cultural and sporting activities, with international teams taking part alongside performers from different parts of Malaysia.
The Sarawak Open International Dragon and Lion Dance Cup has previously attracted teams from Malaysia and overseas, with Kuching serving as a venue for the competition.
The event also forms part of the wider efforts by organisers and participating associations to develop dragon and lion dance as both a cultural practice and competitive discipline.
The latest result highlights the continued participation of teams from China, Sabah and Sarawak in the competition.
With China Guizhou Tengxian Lion Dance Troupe taking the top position, Sabah Tenom Yongyi Sports Association securing second and CMAA finishing third, the High Pole Southern Lion Dance category produced a podium featuring teams from three different areas.
The 2026 edition continues the international character of the Sarawak Open Dragon and Lion Dance competition, bringing together performers with different backgrounds and competitive experience.
For the participating teams, the competition provides an opportunity to test their skills against other performers while contributing to the visibility of dragon and lion dance in Sarawak.
The result also gives the local audience an opportunity to see performances from teams representing both Sarawak and other regions.
The latest championship outcome was announced as part of the Sarawak Open International Dragon and Lion Dance 2026 programme, with the prize presentation marking the conclusion of the High Pole Southern Lion Dance category.
China Guizhou Tengxian Lion Dance Troupe now stands as the winner of the category, with Sabah Tenom Yongyi Sports Association and Sarawak Chinese Martial Arts Association completing the top three.
