By Balqis Jazimah Zahari
IPOH: The Muaythai Tournament Between The Cities of Ipoh and Betong which took place at the Headhunter Muaythai Gym here recently not only strengthened the relationship between the cities but also improved the relationship between the two countries of Malaysia and Thailand.
The first-ever match in Perak was held in conjunction with Visit Ipoh Year 2023 with the participation of 10 competitors from two cities.
The competition is divided into five groups with each group represented by two contestants competing for the knockout round.
The five groups involved in the fight are Deli (Ipoh) Vs Santichai (Betong); Jebat (Ipoh) Vs Pitong (Betong); Rifdean (Ipoh) Vs Jitmueanon (Betong); Misha (Ipoh) Vs Seng Chan (Betong) and Izati (Ipoh) Vs Kuabin (Betong).
The city of Ipoh emerged as the overall champion and brought the trophy along with a total of RM10,000 in cash.
The Ipoh City Council program in collaboration with Headhunter Muaythai Gym managed to attract nearly a 1,000 audience who came to cheer for the competing teams.
The Mayor of Ipoh, Datuk Rumaizi Baharin was present to officiate the program.
Also present, Perak Police Chief, Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri; Betong Team Head Coach, Abdullah Mahlee; Director of the Perak National Sports Council (MSN), Mazlan Mohamad and Chairperson of Headhunter Muaythai Gym, Datuk Zainol Fadzi Paharudin.
Among the sponsors involved in making the tournament a success were Kedai Emas Rozita, Aznor Catering, Team Geng Hollywood and Din’s Kuetiaw Stadium.
The participants who managed to win this match are expected to compete in the next match in Indonesia.
