Sarawak TYT Muay Thai Cup enters 10th edition, draws 350 fighters from five countries

Snowdan (seated, fifth left) together with other VIPs and Muay Thai athletes during the Sarawak TYT Muay Thai Cup Championship 2026 athlete introduction session at the Kuching Waterfront on April 16, 2026.

By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, April 17: The Sarawak TYT Muay Thai Cup Championship 2026 is currently underway in its 10th edition, drawing 350 fighters from 31 clubs across Malaysia and five participating countries.

Held from April 16 to 19 at the Kuching Waterfront, the prestigious championship features athletes from Sarawak, Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia, as well as Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, Singapore and Brunei Darussalam.

Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts II (Creative Industry and Performing Arts) Datuk Snowdan Lawan said the tournament continues to grow in scale and international participation, reflecting Sarawak’s rising status in the regional Muay Thai scene.

“For this edition, the Sarawak Muay Thai Association (PMNS), as the organiser, is continuing the Borneo Cup following encouraging participation from clubs across the Borneo region last year.

“We are now seeing an increase in participation numbers, including athletes from participating countries,” he told a press conference after officiating the Muay Thai athlete introduction session in conjunction with the Sarawak TYT Muay Thai Cup Championship 2026 at the Kuching Waterfront last night (April 16).

He added that the continued growth has helped place Sarawak on the global Muay Thai map, further strengthening its position in the sport internationally.

He also highlighted the championship’s role as a talent development platform, noting its contribution in producing and nurturing world-class athletes, including names such as Jojo, Miki and Texas Jeremy Lo.

Earlier, Snowdan also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Sarawak Muay Thai Association (PMNS) and Pahlawan Championship, establishing a strategic partnership to organise an international Muay Thai championship in September.

Snowdan (centre) witnesses the MOU exchange between Sarawak Muay Thai Association and Pahlawan Championship during the Sarawak TYT Muay Thai Cup Championship 2026 athlete introduction session at the Kuching Waterfront on April 16, 2026.

The Sarawak TYT Muay Thai Cup Championship 2026 is jointly organised by the Sarawak Muay Thai Association (PMNS) with support from the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak (MTCP), the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak (MYSED), the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS), Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC), Sarawak State Sports Council (MSNS) and the Kuching North City Commission (DBKU).

Meanwhile, the Borneo Cup 2026 segment runs as a separate competition, featuring strong participation from clubs across Borneo following encouraging response in previous editions.

MuaySport bouts began on Friday (April 17) at 8am and will resume at 2pm, while semi-pro and professional fights are scheduled in the evening.

The excitement continues on Saturday (April 18) with a series of activities lined up as part of the official opening night programme. Apart from esports competitions and martial arts demonstrations, spectators will also be treated to a wrestling exhibition featuring well-known local wrestlers. Semi-pro and professional bouts across various categories will also continue throughout the day.

On the final day (Sunday), a Fun Walk in conjunction with the TYT Muay Thai Cup 2026 will be held alongside the ANMS 2026 Kuching Division programme, starting at 6am.

A women’s self-defence seminar will also be conducted by Muay Thai and MMA champions.

Semi-pro and professional fights will continue, followed by the announcement of the overall Borneo Cup 2026 champions.

The event will also feature a five-a-side tag team category, a new addition this year, competing for the DBKU Mayor’s Cup.

The overall TYT Cup champion will be decided among Sarawak-based clubs under the Sarawak Muay Thai Association based on the highest medal tally.

The TYT Cup prize presentation will be held on Saturday night, while the Borneo Cup prize presentation will take place on Sunday.

Also present were DBKU Deputy Director of Community Services Department Rudzaimeir Malek; Kuching Divisional Health Officer Dr Johnny Pangkas; Sarawak Sports Corporation’s Head of Sports Development Dedia Sarini Ahmad; PMNS president Jumaat Ibrahim; and Pahlawan MuayThai founder Muhammad Faizol Mohd Mokhtar. — DayakDaily