800 silat stalwarts are expected to raise the bar in the inaugural edition of SPISC
KUCHING (9 JANUARY): The inaugural edition of the Sarawak Premier International Silat Championship 2023 (SPISC) promises an action-packed treat for combat sports and martial art fans at the Kuching Indoor Stadium.
A total of 800 silat exponents from 16 countries will be vying for supremacy from the 27th of February till the 5th of March in the maiden championship scheduled to be held at the “Land of Hornbills”, Sarawak.
Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg expressed that Sarawak is ready to stage the event for the international athletes to showcase their combating skills while providing a perfect sporting 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 partake in heating up the city of Kuching during the week of the event,” he added.
Meanwhile, the organizers of SPISC, Rumpun Silat Sarawak (RSS) determined that the inception of Sarawak Premier International Silat Championship 2023 (SPISC) will be a benchmark for RSS to continue their initiatives in organizing annual silat championships for Sarawak in the future.
Deputy President of the RSS, Dato’ Mohamad Yusnar Haji Matalie, said that his association is committed to ensuring that this tournament goes well.
“RSS desires the inception of this tournament to be successful and noteworthy. In fact, we do not wish to make this a “one-off” tournament, but rather intend to organize the Sarawak Silat Series Championship into a historic and household event for Silat in Malaysia.
“I am also excited and honored to welcome the presence of established world-class silat exponents to Bumi Kenyalang next month. I hope the exponents can display a world-class combatting action while manifesting high sportsmanship and the values a silat exponent possessed.
The Sarawak Premier International Silat Championship 2023 (SPISC) will also feature various interesting programs by the Sarawak Arts Council to light up the event such as pendekar run, food, and cultural festivals. Total prize money of USD 20,000 and a championship belt will be conferred to the overall team champion of the tournament.
