Sarawak Judo Association bags eight medals at Johor Open, showcasing rising national talent.

Sarawak’s judo contingent shone brightly at the 2025 Johor Judo Open in Kluang, bringing home a total of eight medals — one gold, three silver, and four bronze — in a tournament that drew over 450 athletes from across Asia and Europe.

Rising Stars Make Their Mark

Led by national hopeful Ashley Tan Yi Xuan, the Sarawak Judo Association (SJA) made an impressive mark at the Johor Open. Ashley clinched gold in the Women’s 52kg Youth category, reaffirming her status as one of Malaysia’s brightest young judokas.

The team also celebrated silver medals from Soh Yew Ing (Men’s Senior 73kg), Mohamad Firdaus Apek Dana Julie (Men’s Cadet 50kg), and Mardya Fatasha Ali (Women’s Cadet 63kg).

Strong Team Effort Across the Mats

Sarawak’s medal count was further boosted by bronze finishes from Aubrey Ryvia Medan (Youth 63kg), Ethan Lee Ming Hao (Youth 50kg), Nur Kzumyarah Elyana Mohd Bakri (Cadet 57kg), and Joyce Felixson (Youth 78kg).
These victories highlighted the state’s growing strength in developing young martial artists ready to compete at both national and international levels.

Leadership and Dedication Recognized

SJA president Datuk Seri Lau Kueng Chai praised his athletes for their hard work and commitment. “They displayed extraordinary fighting spirit throughout the competition. Everyone has grown and learned from their opponents’ strengths while improving on their weaknesses,” he said.

Lau emphasized that the team’s success came from consistent participation in recent tournaments, including the National Junior Judo Championship in Penang, where they earned four gold, one silver, and eight bronze medals, as well as the MSN Sukan Bakat, where they secured four bronze.

A Platform for Growth

The Johor Open, which hosted competitors from Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, and France, served as an invaluable experience for the Sarawak team. The event not only honed the athletes’ technical skills but also exposed them to the rigor of international competition.

SJA secretary Ngiam Sze Yuan noted that while the team’s achievements were commendable, funding remains a key challenge. “The MSN Budget 2025 for judo has been fully utilized. We hope to raise additional funds to continue supporting our athletes for training and overseas exposure,” Ngiam shared.

Future Prospects for Sarawak Judo

With promising young talents like Ashley Tan leading the charge, Sarawak’s judo scene appears poised for greater accomplishments. The team’s disciplined training, exposure to international competitors, and strong community support continue to propel the state’s judo program to new heights.

Sarawak’s success at the Johor Judo Open reflects not only athletic excellence but also the region’s growing contribution to Malaysia’s sports development. For audiences in Indonesia and Singapore, it showcases Borneo’s emerging strength in martial arts — a testament to Southeast Asia’s vibrant and interconnected sporting culture.

Sources: Borneo Post (2025) , Sarawak Tribune (2025)

Keywords: Sarawak Judo, Johor Open, Ashley Tan Yi Xuan, Judo Malaysia, Sports Achievement, Sarawak Athletes