Kota Kinabalu: Sabah has officially set a new Malaysia Book of Records for the largest participation of women in a muaythai tournament.
A total of 313 female personnel took part in the Sabah Muaythai Expo: Ladies Fight & Pro Rising Fight 2026 Championship which took place at Palm Square, Centre Point Sabah, here over the weekend.
Youth Development, Sports Advancement and Creative Economy Minister Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan, who officiated the closing ceremony, reckoned the success of the event entirely run by women presented a new dimension in the development of combat sports in the State.
“The organisation of the tournament not only serves as a platform to showcase the talent of muaythai athletes, but also proves the role and capabilities of women in driving the development of sports more comprehensively.
“The involvement of all the women in the organisation, including technical secretariat, medical team, management, media crew, athletes and coaches, demonstrated the high commitment of women in making a successful large-scale sporting event.
“Their involvement reflects the women’s ability not only as competitive athletes, but also as able to lead and handle aspects of management and programme implementation professionally,” he said.
He also praised the joint efforts of the Sabah State Muaythai Association, Kota Kinabalu District Muaythai Association, Centre Point Sabah, as well as sponsors for setting the record recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records.
“This attempt to break the record for the first time in Malaysia not only raises the name of Sabah muaythai sports, but will also become a new benchmark that Sabah women are capable of taking the initiative and making history at the national level.
“Well done to the leadership of our women coaches, Addyanna Adangku and Mardiana Maulana, and their entire team.
“You have all proven that women’s empowerment in Sabah is not just a slogan, but a reality driven by courage, hard work and a high fighting spirit,” he added.
The three-day event concluded with the best athletes’ awards presented to Ecyle Leon Luwing from AWP Martial Arts Academy in the Youth category, Siti Nurhawani from Tambuakar in the Open category and Nadia Izzabel Mohd Azizi from X Muaythai Fitness in the Master category.
Also present at the ceremony were representative from the Malaysia Book of Records Siti Hajar Johor, the Ministry’s permanent secretary Datuk Mansur Asun, State Muaythai Association president Hj Nazri Razak and Sabah Sports Council president Asneh Mohd Noor.
