By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, May 12: Some 200 Muay Thai athletes are in the city to compete in the TYT Cup Muaythai Championship 2023 from May 12 to May 14.
Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) Mayor Datu Junaidi Reduan lauded the Sarawak Muaythai Association (PMNS) for organising the event and highlighting Sarawak as a sporting venue for international events.
Junaidi said such DBKU will always support any beneficial social activities involving youths, especially sports.
“Any kind of sporting activity is good as it helps to distract them from getting involved in unhealthy social activities.
“Sports like Muay Thai are very much encouraged, and DBKU will always support those involved in making it happen,” he said.
He said this before an introductory session with the participants at the Godown Amphitheatre at Kuching Waterfront last night (May 11).
Junaidi shared that the seventh championship organised by PMNS since 2013 was the brainchild of former Chief Minister and the current governor of Sarawak, Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud.
“This championship has always received good responses over the years, and this time we would see many fighters compete in various categories.
“The highlights would allow us to see bouts that include 24 semi-professional and professional fighters from Thailand, Cambodia, Yemen, Singapore, Philippines, and Morocco,” he said.
Junaidi said that such a sports event boosts tourism and could help the local economy after the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Participants are welcome to stay longer and explore what Sarawak has to offer, from our places of interest to our unique and diverse culture,” he said.
Also present were PMNS president Jumaat Ibrahim and the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts principal assistant secretary Nasir Lariwoo. — DayakDaily
