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 in 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.