BY ANIS HIPNI & SHARIFAH NONG-JASIMA
KUCHING: The 9th edition of the TYT Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak Muaythai Championship is set to return from May 1 to 4 at the Kuching Waterfront.
Organised by the Sarawak Muaythai Association (PMNS), this year’s event will also introduce the inaugural Borneo Cup 2025.
A total of 250 athletes from Sarawak, Sabah, Peninsular Malaysia, and seven other countries — Indonesia, Brunei, the Philippines, Thailand, the United Kingdom, Yemen, and Iran — will compete across 130 Muaysport bouts and 16 Superfight Pro matches.
PMNS president Jumaat Ibrahim, described the TYT Championship as a key fixture in the Muaythai calendar that continues to grow in stature.
“The increasing number of local and international participants demonstrates the event’s rising prominence.
“It has firmly placed Sarawak on the global Muaythai map,” he said at a press conference held at the Waterfront Amphitheatre today (April 29).
He emphasised the championship’s role in boosting the state’s tourism and economy, highlighting its spillover effects on sectors such as hospitality, transportation, and food services.
“By hosting international athletes and spectators, we strengthen Sarawak’s name on the world map,” he added.
Jumaat also stressed the importance of the platform for nurturing local talent, adding that many Sarawakian athletes had begun their journey at this championship.
“This is not just a competition; it is a launching pad for our youth to dream big and achieve internationally,” he said.
Beyond the competitive matches, the event also seeks to foster cultural unity, with demonstrations of traditional martial arts such as silat highlighting Sarawak’s rich heritage.
“We want to highlight Sarawak’s rich cultural heritage alongside our sporting excellence,” he said.
The event is set to kick off on Thursday evening with team introductions and demonstrations of martial arts.
Muaysport and professional matches will take place on Friday, with side activities including an e-sports tournament, a wrestling showcase, and a Fun Walk targeting 500 participants.
The TYT Cup champion will be awarded to the top Sarawak club under PMNS, while the Borneo Cup will go to the best-performing Borneo club, concluding the four-day celebration of sportsmanship and culture.
