Local and international silat exponents dazzle in the opening day of SPISC 2023
KUCHING (28 FEBRUARY): The inaugural edition of the Sarawak Premier International Silat Championship kicked off in style as several local and international silat contingents displayed a convincing performance in their respective opening matches at the Kuching Indoor Stadium in Sarawak today.
Being the first silat exponent to set foot in the ring, Pornteb Pholkaew the fighter who hails from “the land of the white elephants”, Thailand displayed calmness throughout his match against Singapore’s, Raja Zulfadli Raja Mahmood as he was able to attract the cheering crowd with his astounding combatting moves & skills in the Putra E Category.
The Thai silat prodigy who pursues his chances to compete in the upcoming Cambodia SEA Games in May used every muscle by defeating Raja Zulfadli 41-35 to secure a slot to the next stage.
Pornteb was satisfied with his performance and condemned his opponent’s menacing display. He further iterated that it was not an easy fight for him as Raja Zulfadhli stormed the match aggressively with his unpredictable attacks.
However, he remained modest and said,” first and foremost, I would like to thank the Pencak Silat Association of Thailand for giving me the opportunity to compete on such a competitive platform.
“Though my opponent was menacing with his continuous attacks throughout the match, I kept my focus on and tried to control the situation to get ahead of the match.” he added, while refusing to predict his chances of winning his next match.
The opening day of the championship also witnessed Sarawak’s very own silat exponent Muhd Nur Hasri Maxzakir losing his opening battle in the Putra E category against Muhamad Amirul Iman Zamzulailey from Malacca 18-50.
An additional five Putra E category matches were played this morning which saw many promising players triumphing against their notable opponents.
Selangor’s Muhamad Iskandar Lubis Mahmudin defeating Perlis’s Muhamad Aidil Aiman Mohd Zamri 27-16, and Brunei Darussalam’s Muhammad Amirul Aizat Mohammad Faisal acquiring a crucial win against Terengganu’s Muhammad Afiq Mohd Zuki 40-35 was among the top highlights in the Putra E category.
Philippines’s Ian Christopher C. Calo who recently won a bronze medal in the 6th Asian Pencak Silat Championship experience a surprised 7-23 defeat against Angkatan Tentera Malaysia’s (ATM) Muhammad Luqman Arrif Mohd Rozi (ATM) despite starting off aggressively in the beginning of the fight.
Malaysia’s Muhammad Raden Sabry Mohd Insan turned up to register as a winner when he accumulated an easy 20-9 victory over PDRM’s Zainal Rasid.
Sabah’s Awangku Tarmizal Awg Tamin tamed Kyrgyzstan’s Darkhan Turgumbekov while his Sabahan teammate Muhamad Helmi lived up to his contingent’s efforts by comfortably winning 19-5 against Pahang’s Muhammad Syabiel Tajul Mulok.
The limelight of the day was stolen by the United States of America’s Ammar Aftab who went up against the crowd favourite Mohd Naseem Razali from Sarawak in the Putra D category.
Despite losing the match 19-49, the American silat exponent won the hearts of the crowd by demonstrating a scintillating combative performance throughout the match.
The inaugural Sarawak Premier International Silat Championship 2023 kicked off today and it’s set to take place till the 5th of March will feature approximately 500 participants from 11 countries and 10 local contingents.
Kyrgyzstan, Brunei, Uzbekistan, Netherlands, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, and the United States of America are among the top combative nations competing in the maiden edition of SPISC championship.
The Sarawak Premier International Silat Championship 2023 (SPISC) will also tie up with the Sarawak Arts Council to feature various interesting programs to light up the event such as food and cultural festivals. A total prize money of USD 20,000 will be conferred to the overall team champion of the tournament.
