Sabah Games XI 2025: Muaythai Finals Light Up Tawau
The Sabah Games XI (SAGA 2025) concluded with an electrifying display of Muaythai excellence in Tawau, Sabah, highlighting the sport’s continued growth and rising standards across the state.
Held at Dewan SJK (C) Yuk Chin, the finals brought together Sabah’s top young athletes in a showcase of skill, discipline, and competitive spirit. More than just a medal contest, the event reflected Sabah’s commitment to developing Muaythai as a high-performance sport rooted in cultural heritage.
Event Overview
Muaythai stood out as one of the most anticipated sports at SAGA 2025, attracting strong participation from districts throughout Sabah.
- Competition featured male and female divisions, ranging from lightweight to middleweight categories.
- 28 finalists advanced to the medal rounds, representing the highest level of state youth competition.
- Tawau athletes impressed on home ground, drawing strong support from local spectators.
The finals demonstrated technical depth, tactical awareness, and sportsmanship — key indicators of a maturing Muaythai ecosystem in Sabah.
Competition Highlights
The quality of bouts reflected the steady development of Muaythai at the grassroots and youth levels.
- Tawau reinforced its reputation as a Muaythai development hub.
- Increased female participation marked a significant step forward for the sport.
- Athletes displayed composure, respect, and discipline alongside intensity and determination.
Cultural Showcase: Maimuay & Wai Kru
In addition to competitive bouts, the event featured Maimuay and Wai Kru performances, emphasizing Muaythai’s cultural and ceremonial foundations.
These elements are officially recognised in international Muaythai and are contested at major events such as SUKMA, SEA Games, Asian Games, and IFMA World Championships. Their inclusion at SAGA 2025 highlights Sabah’s alignment with global Muaythai standards and its commitment to preserving tradition within modern competition.
Athlete Development Pathway
The Sabah Games remain a vital platform for talent identification and athlete development, providing young fighters with valuable exposure to high-level competition.
Following Sabah’s strong performances at the ASEAN Muaythai Championship 2025, the Tawau finals further strengthened the state’s standing as a regional powerhouse in Muaythai development.