Futsal tourney named after PRS president John Sikie Tayai

KUCHING (Feb 3): Just over three months after being elected Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) president, Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai has had a futsal tournament named in his honour.

According to a Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) report, the tournament—the ‘Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai PRS President’s Challenge Trophy Open Futsal Tournament’—serves as a platform to encourage youth participation in healthy activities while fostering sportsmanship within the local community.

“The programme, organised by Kelab Proaktif Lubuk Bukut in collaboration with the Bukit Dinding Futsal Court Committee, was held at the Bukit Dinding Futsal Court along the Selangau-Mukah road,” it said.

The tournament’s launching ceremony featured the symbolic presentation of jerseys and the official kick-off by Sikie.

During the event, the Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department also announced an allocation of RM15,000 under the Minor Rural Project (MRP) to the Rumah Manna village development and security committee (JKKK) for community management purposes.

“A total of 20 teams took part in the two-day tournament held from Jan 31 to Feb 1,” the report added.

Sikie highlighted the futsal court’s role in providing youths with proper facilities to engage in beneficial activities and steer away from unhealthy social practices.

“The project initially involved the construction of the field and fencing at a cost of RM350,000, before an additional RM400,000 was approved for the construction of a roof following requests from local residents.

“This court can be fully utilised by youths in Bukit Dinding and surrounding areas as a shared space for recreation and sports talent development,” he said.

Sikie was elected PRS president on Oct 19 last year during the party’s sixth Triennial Delegates’ Conference here, securing 186 votes against Pelagus assemblyman Wilson Nyabong Ijang, who garnered 154 votes.

He succeeded Datuk Seri Joseph Salang Gandum, who opted not to defend the post, and is serving a leadership term for 2025-2028.

His victory marked a leadership transition within PRS, a key component of the ruling Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) coalition.