KUCHING: Strong support from local and international clubs despite a crowded combat sports calendar has reinforced the growing reputation of the MFC x Sarawak Martial Arts Championship, with organisers attributing its success to a commitment to fair officiating and athlete safety.
Organising chairman and tournament director, Tsan Nieng Khai, said the third edition of the two-day championship, held at Boulevard Shopping Mall from Aug 1 to 2, attracted more than 160 athletes from 22 clubs, including participants from India, the Philippines and Indonesia.
Although organisers had targeted more than 200 entries, Tsan described the turnout as a success, noting that the tournament coincided with several major events, including the Bintulu Amateur Muay Thai Challenge and the GAMMA Asian Championship 2026 in Kuala Lumpur.
“Considering there were so many events happening at the same time, attracting more than 160 athletes is still a success for us,” he told Sarawak Tribune.
He thanked clubs that continued to support the championship despite having to split their athletes across multiple competitions.
“I really appreciate the clubs that came back to support our event. Some, like Sting Muay Thai Club and Panglima Seman Boxing Club, divided their teams so they could still send athletes here despite their busy schedules. Their support means a lot to us,” he said.
Tsan said the championship had grown steadily since its inaugural edition last July, which featured around 80 athletes from six or seven clubs. The second edition in November attracted about 170 athletes, reflecting the event’s expanding profile.
He believes that growth stems from the confidence clubs have in the tournament’s standards.
“For me, fairness and justice are the most important principles. I believe the clubs trust our system and know that by sending their athletes here, they are competing on a safe and fair platform,” he said.
To uphold those standards, Tsan said he has invested heavily in developing the tournament’s technical officials through referee seminars and by sharing knowledge gained from his international assignments.
Tsan is a lecturer with the Olympic Council of Asia and a member of the Asia MMA referee committee. Later this year, he will serve as deputy chief referee and International Technical Officer for the Asia MMA competition at the Asian Games in Nagoya.
Encouraged by the continued support, Tsan hopes the championship will keep expanding while providing more opportunities for martial artists to compete against quality opposition.
