TAWAU: Keningau’s rugby contingent defended their gold medal in rugby event at the 11th Sabah Games (Saga XI) 2025.
In the men’s category, Keningau edged Kota Kinabalu 12-7, while Nabawan claimed the bronze after defeating Kinabatangan 14-5.
In the women’s category, Keningau cruised past Kinabatangan 28-7, and Penampang thrashed Lahad Datu 29-0 to secure bronze.
Keningau players Kelvin Aaron Mac Leonar and Fetrunilla John were named the best male and female players respectively.
The prize presentation took place at the Tawau Sports Complex Rugby Field on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, riders from Kota Belud and Kota Kinabalu struck gold in the men’s and women’s 200m sprint cycling events.
The fiercely contested race along Jalan Pesisir Pantai Tawau concluded late Tuesday evening, drawing loud cheers from supporters who turned up.
In the men’s category, Muhammad Nur Irfan Roslan of Kota Belud pedalled to gold, beating Lahad Datu’s Mohammad Aris Tam Zi Jian, who took silver, while Randdy Fodinan Dablle of Kota Kinabalu settled for bronze.
In the women’s event, Kota Kinabalu’s Shannon Liaw Xiao Xuan delivered a dominant performance to secure victory for her team.
Keningau’s Farisha Nur Umaira Zairi claimed silver, and Nabawan’s Restyfiona Rizal took bronze.
The wins added to the medal tally of both districts and highlighted the promising potential of young Sabahan cyclists in competitive cycling.
Meanwhile, a total of 28 Muay Thai athletes have punched their way into the finals held at SJK (C) Yuk Chin Hall.
In the men’s combat division, 18 fighters will contest across nine weight categories including 42-45kg, 45-48kg, 48-51kg, 51-54kg, 54-57kg, 57-60kg, 60-63.5kg, 63.5-67kg and 67-71kg.
Among the finalists are Kerry Dryan Jafli of Tuaran, Mohammad Syahrizan Rizal of Tawau, Yong Feng Yue Sammy of Ranau, Evan Arron Warren of Papar and Andy John of Sipitang.
In the women’s division, 10 finalists will compete in five categories including 42-45kg, 45-48kg, 48-51kg, 51-54kg and 54-57kg.
Finalists include Krystel Angel Jafili of Tuaran, Nur Ameera Shaqil of Penampang, Stacy Phoong Chun Ann of Kota Marudu, Bethanny Lai Yun Yunn of Kota Kinabalu and Rozana Laila Rammy of Kota Marudu.
The finals are set for Thursday where the contenders will fight for gold and district pride.
Muay Thai Technical Delegate Readwan Matin said this year’s competition saw higher participation compared to the previous edition with 19 districts represented and 234 athletes competing in 18 categories.
He said many promising new talents emerged this year and the women athletes also performed impressively throughout the championship.
He noted that all finalists are expected to display strong sportsmanship and be physically and mentally prepared to achieve the best results for their respective districts.