Datuk Chong Kim Fatt “A crucial step for Malaysia’s Martial Arts toward the world stage”
The “2024 Malaysia SANDA KING Tournament (PIALA GAN KONG LEE)”, spanning 3 days (22/3-24/3), commenced this morning at 10:30 AM in the Hall of the Negeri Sembilan Chin Woo Athletic Association. The opening ceremony was presided over by the State Assemblyman of Negeri Sembilan, YB Tuan Hj. Mustapha. The event was scheduled to begin at noon at 12:00 PM.
Originally planned for the year 2020, this grand event was postponed until now due to the pandemic’s impact. Its aim is to revive the long-dormant vitality of martial arts in our country, especially in Negeri Sembilan, and to promote the inheritance and development of Chinese martial arts.
Over the course of two days, 44 competition events will take place, featuring participants from various age groups ranging from 6 to 18 years old, divided into 5 categories (each with male and female groups). Additionally, 16 teams from 11 states have participated, with a total of 173 participants, surpassing the initial target of 120, indicating a warm response.
Each category will award prizes for first to fourth place, best male and female athletes, best coach, best team leader, sportsmanship award, and overall champion.
This event is organized by the Malaysia Wushu Association, co-organized by the Negeri Sembilan Wushu Dragon Lion Association, and supported by various units including the Chinese Embassy in Malaysia, the International Wushu Federation, the Malaysian Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Malaysian Ministry of Education, the Malaysian National Sports Council, the Malaysian National Sports Institute, the Malaysian Olympic Council, the Malaysian Anti-Doping Agency, the Negeri Sembilan Sports Council, Negeri Sembilan Tourism, Arts and Culture Action Council.
Sponsors include Jiurishan, Yu On Global Charity Foundation, SNE SPORTS, KELME MALAYSIA, and Bao Shan Bao Hai Catering.
The chairman of the conference, and also the President of the Malaysia Wushu Association, Datuk Chong Kim Fatt, stated that this is a significant step for our country’s martial arts towards the world stage. He hopes to discover more potential champions from the competition to showcase Malaysia’s Martial Arts on the world stage.
Datuk Chong Kim Fatt revealed that based on the past results of our country’s participation in martial arts competitions, our current world ranking in martial arts is between 6th and 8th place. However, in terms of overall rankings, it may drop to between 9th and 10th place.
“This is mainly because our martial arts routines are superior, often overshadowing our weakness in mixed martial arts, affecting our ranking positions.”
“The conference will discuss with the son of Yan Guangli Cup’s sponsor, considering holding it continuously for three years to focus the attention of Martial Arts’ athletes on this event.”
He disclosed that the International Wushu Federation has dispatched officials to conduct research and will promote the competition on their official Facebook page.
Datuk Chong Kim Fatt expressed satisfaction that this competition has also received joint promotion from the Negeri Sembilan Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Negeri Sembilan Tourism Board, upgrading it from a private event to an official one.
He stated that this will effectively boost the state’s tourism industry, with an initial estimate of bringing in between 200,000 to 300,000 visitors, which is crucial for the state’s development, economy, and sports.
The closing ceremony of this event will be held at 8:00 PM on the 23rd of March.
