SARAWAK WANTS TO PROMOTE SILAT AT GLOBAL LEVEL - ABANG JO
KUCHING, Feb 27 (Bernama) -- Sarawak wants to promote silat at the global level and produce world-class athletes in the sport, says Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said the state would work closely with silat associations and schools for the purpose.
"I am proud to say that silat is no longer an ‘orang kampung’ sport. Silat is now not only a sport in Southeast Asian countries but also at the international level, including in Europe and the United States.
"Silat is similar to taekwondo, wushu and other martial arts. Let us together focus on a sport that is not only good for physical endurance but also to empower our culture and artistic heritage," he said at the opening ceremony of the Sarawak International Premier Silat Championship 2023 at the Perpaduan Stadium here, tonight.
Also present were Sarawak Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Rumpun Silat Sarawak (RSS) deputy president Datuk Mohamad Yusnar Matalie and Malaysian Pencak Silat Federation (PESAKA) president Datuk Megat Zulkarnian Omardin.
The first edition of the competition from today until March 5 has gathered 500 exponents from all over Malaysia as well as other countries such as the United States, the Netherlands, the Philippines, Indonesia and Kyrgyzstan.
The exponents from 21 contingents will be competing for prize money worth US$20,000 as well as the championship belt.
-- BERNAMA
