Contestants in the heat of battle during the Negri Sembilan competition.
MORE youths are expected to pick up fencing, which is popularly known as a combat sport, following the inaugural Negri Sembilan Youth Challenge 2023 tournament, which attracted some 260 young fencers from all over the country.
The two-day event organised by the Negri Sembilan Fencing Association (PLPNS) was divided into several categories, such as the Under-8, Under-10, Under-12, and Under-15 levels for both girls and boys in the foil, epee and sabre disciplines.
Association president Tengku Datuk Mu’adzam Sadruddin Tengku Noone Aziz said one of the main objectives of hosting the event was to allow local youths to compete in a new and different venue, in line with the Malaysian Fencing Federation’s (MFF) aim to increase the number of local tournaments.
“This tournament will also help Negri Sembilan youngsters prepare for Sukma 2024, where fencing will again be part of the line-up of compulsory sports.
“It is our hope that the interest generated among the youth of Negri Sembilan by this tournament will help build a greater pool of fencers for the state and ultimately the country,” he said.
Tunku Ali (second from right) posing with the winners in one of the categories at the prize presentation ceremony.
He also thanked the MFF, the Negri Sembilan Sports Council (MSNNS), and venue partner Seremban Prima Mall for helping to make the event a success.
Also present to watch the finals were Tunku Besar Seri Menanti Tunku Ali Redhauddin Tuanku Muhriz and MFF president Rusni Abu Hassan.
Tunku Ali, who is also a PLPNS patron, congratulated the winners as well as those who took part in the event.
“It was wonderful to see the high level of interest from the young fencers, and I hope this becomes an annual event.
“Thank you to all the sponsors and supporters as well,” he said.
Rusni said the high number of participants from all over the country augured well for the future of fencing.
“MFF has always encouraged our member associations to host events in their various states to widen the reach of this exciting sport. We look forward to seeing such events in other states soon,” she said.
MSNNS director Datuk Sabuddin Sani said it would continue to support sporting events in the state as it encouraged youths to lead active and healthy lifestyles and helped instil discipline and dedication in athletes.
