SUBANG JAYA, Apr 28 — The Selangor Muay Thai League’s (SML) Vol 2.0: Rise of Heroes is seen as an important platform in developing young talent in the sport and as preparation for the Sukan Malaysia (SUKMA) 2026.
The championship, held at NU Empire Shopping Gallery, Subang Jaya, was officiated by Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ) mayor Dato’ Amirul Azizan Abd Rahim.
Also present were Selangor Muaythai adviser Tan Sri Abu Kassim, Selangor Menteri Besar Incorporated (MBI) chief Ahmad Azri Zainal Nor, and Selangor Youth and Sports Department (JBS) director Syamsul Tahrin Mohd Tahir.
A total of 250 athletes from several states, including Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Johor, Pahang, Sarawak and Terengganu, took part in the tournament.
The league featured junior and senior categories, and also introduced a special five-on-five tag team format for juniors and mixed teams to add variety.
The event received encouraging support from clubs within and outside Selangor, further strengthening the development of Muay Thai at state level.
Muay Thai athlete Muhammad Rizqi Rayyan, 15, said his involvement in the sport over the past three years has helped build discipline and opened opportunities to compete at higher levels.
“I started because my father encouraged me, and I find Muay Thai easier to get into as it can be played individually.
“Competing in this league is really fun as I get to meet many friends, although training and the weight-cutting process are quite challenging,” said Rizqi, who is aiming to compete in SUKMA.
Another athlete, Muhammad Hariz, 11, said his interest in Muay Thai began in 2022 and grew stronger after competing in tournaments.
“I am happy to compete and win even though I was scared at first.
“My hope is to go further, all the way to One Championship,” he said.
Meanwhile, Selangor Muay Thai coach Jake Low Gek Lin said the league serves as an important platform to test athletes’ abilities, with participation from various states.
He said many athletes have shown strong potential to be groomed for SUKMA if given continuous exposure and training.
“We don’t know who our opponents are, so athletes must always be prepared and deliver their best performance in every fight.
“So far, the programme and competition have been very good,” he said.
The league is expected to continue with three more series throughout the year as part of ongoing efforts to develop young Muay Thai talent in Selangor.
