The 3rd Malaysia Sanda King Open Championship (Gan Kong Lee Cup) was successfully held from 17 to 20 April 2026 at the Chin Woo Athletic Association Hall in Negeri Sembilan. The event was organized by the Wushu Federation of Malaysia and hosted by the Negeri Sembilan Wushu Dragon and Lion Dance Association, bringing together top athletes from across the nation.
A total of 201 athletes from 16 teams representing 13 states participated in the championship, including 149 male and 52 female competitors. The competition featured 39 weight categories across both men’s and women’s divisions, covering age groups of 18 and above, 15–17, 12–14, and 9–11 years.
Notably, more than 40% of the participants were from non-Chinese ethnic groups, highlighting the growing inclusivity of wushu in Malaysia’s multicultural society. The sport continues to serve as a platform for unity, fostering interaction and mutual understanding among diverse communities.
In terms of performance, the Johor Wushu Dragon and Lion Dance Association emerged as the overall champion with an impressive tally of 6 gold, 10 silver, and 15 bronze medals. This marks their third consecutive overall championship title, earning them permanent possession of the Challenge Trophy.
Dato’ Chong Kim Fatt, President of the Wushu Federation of Malaysia, noted that the increasing participation of athletes from diverse backgrounds reflects the expanding reach of the sport. He expressed hope that the proportion of non-Chinese participants will exceed 50% in the future.
He further emphasized that sanda has evolved beyond outdated perceptions, and is now recognized as a structured and competitive sport. Looking ahead, he expressed aspirations for sanda to be included in the Olympic Games, with Malaysian athletes striving to achieve podium success on the international stage.
