AWP Martial Art crowned champions
Published on: Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Published on: Wed, May 28, 2025
By: GL Oh Text Size: All the winners and officials after the prize presentations. Kota Kinabalu: AWP Martial Art Academy were crowned overall champions in the Sabah Muaythai Heritage and Cultural Challenge 2025 held at the Revolution Combat Gym (State Muaythai Training Centre) in Penampang last weekend. They took home six golds to top the medal tally and the winners were Bella Shynella Javier (wai kru female 9-12), Jane Bernadett Japius (wai kry female 13-15), Addy Ardryga (wai kru male 13-15), Stanly Poong Chung Ann (wai kru male 16-20), Stacy Poong Dai Hee and Abby Arrysqa (mai muay female 15-20), Stanly Poong Chung Ann and Otniel Owen Neo (mai muay male 16-20). The runners-up spot went to Tambuakar Martial Art with one gold, four silver and two bronze medals followed by Revolution Muaythai Combat with one gold and three bronzes. A total of 44 athletes aged 9-20 took part in the competition initiated by State muaythai head coach Cyrille Dhillon Tahing and wai kru/mai muay coach Mardiana Maulana. It was organised by Sabah Muaythai Association in collaboration with Sabah Sports Council. Cyrille said the competition dedicated exclusively to the traditional and cultural disciplines of wai kru and mai muay, first to be held in the country, has provided the platform for these athletes to showcase their skills and also to have deeper respect for muaythai's rich heritage.
Advertisement 'Unlike typical muaythai tournaments focused solely on combat, this competition highlighted the artistry, rhythm and ritual that form the cultural backbone of the sport. 'It was much more than a competition. It served as a vital platform for athlete development, helping young fighters build confidence, sharpen their skills, and strengthen their connection to their cultural roots. 'For many local youths, this was also their first experience performing in front of an audience, making it an invaluable step in their journey, especially as they prepare to represent Sabah at the upcoming Sabah Games 2025 (Saga), where wai kru and mai muay will be contested officially for the first time,' he said. He also said the competition played an important role in further strengthening Sabah's reputation in the two disciplines. 'Sabah Muaythai Association remains committed to developing young talents. Our strength in these disciplines is well-known. Our athletes have consistently excelled at national and international levels, achieving numerous medals and recognition. 'Their dedication has placed Sabah firmly on the map as a muaythai powerhouse and highlights the importance of us nurturing these unique cultural aspects of the sport.' The closing ceremony was officiated by Sabah Muaythai Association president Haji Nazri Abd Razak and also present was vice president Ahmad Ridwan Ghazali, as well as community leaders Kapitan David Chong, Cyril Liew and Chin Yuk Pin. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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