KUCHING: A total of 350 fighters from 31 clubs have converged on the Kuching Waterfront for the 10th TYT Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak Muaythai Cup and Borneo Cup 2026.
The four-day championship, which runs from Apr 16 to 19, features participants from Sarawak, Sabah and Malaya, alongside international fighters from Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, Singapore and Brunei Darussalam.
The event showcases 130 Muaysport bouts and 16 Superfight Pro matches, promising high-intensity action across both amateur and professional divisions.
Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan said the strong turnout reflects the growing appeal of the tournament at both national and regional levels.
“A total of 350 fighters representing 31 clubs from across Malaysia are competing, alongside participants from several Southeast Asian countries,” he said during a press conference held at the venue on Thursday (Apr 16).
He added that the championship is expected to deliver positive spillover effects to the state’s tourism sector and local economy.
“Most of the participants are young and are unlikely to be travelling alone. Many come with their families or relatives, and this helps stimulate economic activity in Kuching and across Sarawak,” he said.
Snowdan added that a new team event, the Piala Datuk Bandar DBKU, will also make its debut this year.
Additionally, Sarawak State Muaythai Association (PMNS) president Jumaat Ibrahim noted that the tournament continues to strengthen its reputation as one of the region’s most anticipated Muaythai events.
“Each year, we see increasing participation, including from international competitors, particularly within Southeast Asia. This reflects the growing recognition of the tournament and its role in placing Sarawak on the global Muaythai map,” he said.
Jumaat also expressed his appreciation to the state government, particularly to Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts and Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, for the continued support in ensuring the success of the event.
He also thanked strategic partners, including the Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) and the Malaysian Muaythai Association, for their contributions.
On the final day, the Muaythai Fun Walk 2026 will be held in conjunction with the National Healthy Agenda Tour (ANMS), starting at 6am.
Semi-professional and professional bouts will continue that morning, followed by the announcement of the overall Borneo Cup 2026 champion.
The TYT Cup presentation is scheduled for Saturday night (Apr 18), while the Borneo Cup 2026 trophy will be presented on Sunday (Apr 19).
