Eight nations converge in Bintulu for Premier Cup muaythai showdown

BINTULU: Muaythai takes international stage in Bintulu this week as nearly 300 fighters prepare to compete in the 10th edition of the Muaythai Premier Sarawak Cup 2026, bringing together clubs from six Malaysian states and eight countries.

Running from October 15 to 18 at Naim Street Mall Paragon Bintulu, the tournament will feature 29 clubs, with athletes representing Sarawak, Sabah, Terengganu, Selangor, Pahang and Johor alongside international competitors from Indonesia, Brunei Darussalam, Singapore, Yemen, Iran, Spain, Colombia and Syria.

Beyond the bouts, organisers have lined up a wider programme of sporting and martial arts activities to draw more participants and spectators to the four-day event.

A silat showcase involving 130 participants from local clubs will feature alongside darts, slingshot and e-sports competitions, which are expected to attract a combined 400 participants.

The opening day’s side events will begin at 7:30 pm on Thursday, October 15, while muaythai competition gets underway at 2:30 pm the following day, featuring amateur, muaysport and professional superfight categories.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg is expected to officiate the opening ceremony on October 17.

Elite fighters ready to fight on the ring beginning Friday night (Oct. 15).

The final day on Sunday (Oct. 28), begins at 8:30 am, followed by prize presentations for the muaythai, darts, slingshot, e-sports and silat competitions.

The event is organised by the Sarawak Muaythai Association (PMNS), with support from the Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Sarawak Sports Corporation, Naim Street Mall Paragon Bintulu and other strategic partners.