Three UTAR students, namely Loi Xue Jing, Quennie Bong Hui Wen, and Ling Leh Ho, showcased exceptional performances and brought remarkable achievements to the University through their participation in the Sanda King Open 2024.

The Sanda King Open 2024 was a prestigious martial arts competition held from 22 to 24 March 2024 at the Dewan Tertutup NS Chin Woo Athletic Association in Seremban.

Bachelor of Social Science (Honours) Psychology student, Quennie Bong, a representative of UTAR, displayed her prowess in the “52kg -  Age above 18” female category, clinching a well-deserved bronze medal. On top of that, Bachelor of Business Administration (Honours) Entrepreneurship student, Ling, also representing UTAR, showcased his skills in the “85kg – Age above 18” male category, securing another bronze medal.

Additionally, Bachelor of Science (Honours) Software Engineering student, Loi, representing the Melaka Team, emerged as champion in the “Sanda King 60kg – Age above 18” male category, earning the gold medal. Loi is also a member of UTAR Kampar Wushu Club.

Reflecting on their achievements, the winners expressed gratitude for the support and resources provided by UTAR. Loi thanked UTAR Kampar Campus Wushu Club for their support and added, “I believe that discipline and dedication are what set me apart from the rest. I joined this competition to gain experience and to test my abilities against other skilled fighters.”

Quennie Bong said, “Thank you, UTAR, for providing a supportive environment that nurtured my growth as a martial artist. The university offered me a nurturing atmosphere where I could refine my skills both inside and outside the classroom. The rigorous academic curriculum taught me the importance of discipline, perseverance, and critical thinking, qualities that I have incorporated into my training. Additionally, UTAR’s diverse community exposed me to various perspectives and techniques, enriching my understanding of Sanda.”

Meanwhile, Ling acknowledged UTAR’s sponsorship and reasonable academic programmes, which contributed to his success both in academics and martial arts.

Organised by Persekutuan Wushu Malaysia, with support from various esteemed organisations including Majlis Olimpik Malaysia, Jabatan Belia dan Sukan Negara, Majlis Sukan Negara Malaysia, Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia, Institut Sukan Malaysia, Agensi Anti-Doping Malaysia, Majlis Sukan Negeri Sembilan, and Jawatankuasa Bertindak Pelancongan, Kesenian dan Kebudayaan Negeri Sembilan, the Sanda King Open 2024 aimed to elevate the sport of Sanda to a higher international level, potentially leading to its inclusion in the Olympics, and to establish Sanda as a valued competitive sports in Malaysia.

The event also served as a platform for selecting representatives to participate in the World Junior Wushu Championships in Brunei and the Asian State Wushu Championship in Macao.