SARAWAK IS READY TO HOST PREMIER INTERNATIONAL SILAT CHAMPIONSHIP 2023

KUCHING (9 January): The inaugural Sarawak Premier International Silat Championship 2023 (SPISC) promises an action-packed treat for combat sport and martial arts fans at the Kuching Indoor Stadium. A total of 800 silat exponents from 16 countries are expected to vie for supremacy from 27 February to 5 March in the maiden championship in the Land of the Hornbills.

Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, said Sarawak is ready to stage the event, giving international athletes a stage to showcase their skills while providing a perfect platform for silat fans around the world to witness the prestigious tournament.

He said, "Sarawak is ready to unlatch the arena for silat exponents from 16 countries to battle. In fact, preparations in terms of logistics are now at their best ahead of this premier-class championship.

"The reception for this inaugural edition is overwhelming, as countries such as Indonesia, Singapore, Pakistan and the United Kingdom will take part in heating up the city of Kuching during the week of the event," he added.

Meanwhile, the organiser, Rumpun Silat Sarawak (RSS), hopes the inaugural SPISC will be a benchmark for RSS to continue organising annual silat championships in Sarawak.

RSS Deputy President Dato' Mohamad Yusnar Haji Matalie said the association is committed to ensuring the tournament goes well.

"RSS wants this tournament to be successful and noteworthy. In fact, we do not wish to make this a one-off tournament, but rather intend to develop the Sarawak Silat Series Championship into a historic and household event for silat in Malaysia.

"I am also excited and honoured to welcome established world-class silat exponents to Bumi Kenyalang next month. I hope the exponents can display world-class combat action while showing high sportsmanship, along with the values a silat exponent should possess," he said.

SPISC 2023 will also feature various programmes by the Sarawak Arts Council to light up the event, including a Pendekar Run and food and cultural festivals. Total prize money of USD20,000 and a championship belt will be awarded to the overall team champion.