CMAA lion dance team eyes national title

KUCHING: The Chinese Martial Art Association (CMAA) Lion Dance Team is aiming for a historic breakthrough at the 13th Malaysia National Dragon and Lion Dance Championship 2026 in Melaka from Oct 29 to Nov 1.

The team will compete in the Northern Lion Dance and High Pole Southern Lion Dance events at Dewan Bola Keranjang MBMB, Bukit Serindit.

CMAA team coach Calvin Kong said the team was optimistic about its chances in the Northern Lion Dance event, having secured the No. 2 seeding for this year’s championship.

The team finished second in the Northern Lion Dance event at the 2025 Malaysia Nationals before winning the Northern Lion Dance title at the Sarawak Open Championships in both 2025 and 2026.

In January this year, CMAA also represented Malaysia at the prestigious Sanya Cup in China, where it earned a bronze award, gaining valuable international competition experience.

Kong said both teams had been training intensively to improve their performances, with emphasis on technical precision, coordination and consistency.

Besides challenging for the national title in Northern Lion Dance, the team is also determined to improve its standing in the High Pole Southern Lion Dance event.

Leading the CMAA contingent to Melaka will be Pemanca Tan Kun Gee while Nelson Nguang will accompany the team as a judge following an invitation from the championship’s Technical Committee.

The association hopes its strong competition record and preparations will help the team deliver outstanding performances and bring pride to Sarawak at the national championship.