Sukma XXI: Sarawak muaythai coach unfazed by claims of bias, points out Thai judges appointed by national association

BINTULU (Aug 20): Controversial claims of biased judging on social media about the success of Sarawak’s muaythai athletes has not affected coach Roslan Johani.

He brushed aside claims by netizens of questionable judges’ decisions and the scoring system.

He also pointed out that the Malaysian Muaythai Association had appointed external judges from Thailand.

“What I can say is that some people do not understand how scoring works,” he said.

He clarified that points are awarded based on power, accuracy, and clear impact on the opponent without any blocking.

“If there’s any question of bias, I believe there is no such thing. We have 14 combat athletes, and only five made it to the finals.

“If the judges were biased towards the host, they would have ensured all athletes reached the finals,” he said.

Roslan said he is confident in the judges, noting that their expertise in the scoring system stems from being an international panel.

Five of Sarawak’s finest muaythai combat fighters will step into the ring for the finals today starting at 2pm.

Yesterday Sarawak won two gold medals in the waikru men’s solo and mai muay men’s duo events as well as two silver medals in the waikru women’s solo and female mai muay duo.