KUCHING: Defending champions Sarawak are leaving no stone unturned in their bid to retain the muaythai title at the 2026 Malaysia Games (SUKMA), with months of international exposure and intensive training forming the backbone of their preparations.
Sarawak Muaythai Association (PMNS) president Jumaat Ibrahim said the state has adopted a phased preparation programme since June, focusing not only on physical conditioning but also on technical development, tactical awareness, mental resilience and competitive exposure.
“We want our athletes to arrive at SUKMA not only physically fit, but with the experience, confidence and tactical maturity needed to compete at the highest level,” he told UKAS.
A key phase of the preparations saw the squad compete at the IFMA World Muaythai Championship 2026 and participate in activities surrounding the inaugural Muaythai School World Championships in Kuala Lumpur from June 16 to 26.
The international exposure enabled Sarawak’s athletes to test themselves against top opponents while giving the coaching staff valuable insight into areas requiring further improvement.
The squad also completed a month-long intensive training camp at Bangla Boxing Stadium in Phuket, Thailand, under the guidance of coaches Ajan Putra, Goday, Zulkifli and Roslan.
In addition to daily high-intensity training, the athletes took part in a series of bouts and sparring sessions against fighters from Thailand and several other countries, returning with an encouraging record of nine wins and four defeats.
Jumaat described the results as a positive indication of the squad’s progress, while acknowledging there is still room for improvement ahead of the Games.
Following the Phuket camp, the team has continued its preparations at Kelab MZ Repek in Pasir Mas, Kelantan before heading to Selangor.
Sarawak will field a 12-member squad comprising eight men and four women as they look to defend the overall muaythai title won at SUKMA Sarawak 2024.
The muaythai competition will be held from Aug 19 to 23 at KSL Esplanade Mall in Klang.
