Kota Kinabalu: The Tambuakar Muaythai Club from Papar went to the Land of the Hornbills last week and stole the thunder from the home teams for the second time this year.
The club emerged as the overall winner at the Sarawak Premier’s Cup Muay Thai Championship which was held in Bintulu from October 26-29.
The Papar participants snagged 14 golds and nine silvers to take first place, ahead of the Sting Muaythai Club from Kuching and the Phonix Meranek Club from Kota Samarahan.
Tambuakar’s Qayla Adreana Andy wowed the judges and the crowd at the Naim Street Mall to be named “Best Boxer”.
Her teammate Allyesyah Peter, meanwhile, received a special award at the same event.
Representatives from Muaythai clubs in Kota Kinabalu and Tawau also participated in the championship
About 200 athletes demonstrated their prowess in Bintulu, with clubs from Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, The Philippines, Yemen and Iran even sending challengers.
Tambuakar fighters previously floored their Sarawakian opponents during the TYT’s Muay Thai Championship in Kuching in May.
The club brought the Borneo Cup back to Sabah in that instance.
Tambuakar Muaythai Club President Jerry Michael said there was a marked improvement in the performance of its athletes at the Premier’s Championship.
“The youngest fighter among our 24 participants was eight years old, while the eldest was 15,” he said.
He said the youngsters were accompanied by 18 adults, including the club’s coach Rozaimy Ahad, his assistants and some parents.
“The mothers and fathers who came along helped prepare the food and drinks for our contingent.
“They also brought their physiotherapy skills to bear by massaging the sore muscles of the athletes.
Michel said they also provided moral support to their children by being there ring-side.
“Many of the kids pushed themselves to do better as they did not want to let their elders or the coach down.”
He said the club would be hosting the finale of the Sabah Muaythai Expo in Papar from November 24-26, to identify potential exponents for the Sabah Games (Saga).
“Tambuakar also aims to someday be able to send at least four fighters to Sukma (Malaysian Games).”
