SEA Games 2025: Malaysian silat coach accused of striking Philippine judge after disputing result
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The drama unfolded at the pencak silat competition after a women’s Class B (50-55kg) quarter-final ended in a 60-60 tie.
PHOTO: SCREENGRAB FROM NAZOOWAN/TIKTOK
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BANGKOK – A Malaysian silat coach has been accused of assaulting a Filipino referee at the SEA Games, the Philippine Olympic Committee said on Dec 17, following protests after a disputed loss.
The latest drama at the regional sports showdown hosted by Thailand unfolded at the pencak silat competition after a women’s Class B (50-55kg) quarter-final ended in a 60-60 tie at the Impact Arena in Nonthaburi on Dec 15.
Officials gave Thai competitor Chongthima Rueanthong, 22, the win based on a tiebreak rule, saying Malaysia’s Nor Farah Mazlan, 27, had notched up more fouls, local media reported.
The Malaysian team disputed the ruling and resorted to chasing after and shouting at Games staff.
“A Filipino judge in the pencak silat event at the 2025 SEA Games was attacked by a Malaysian coach, but is now safe,” according to a statement from Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham Tolentino.
An aide to him told AFP that a formal protest had been lodged with the SEA Games organising committee.
A member of the SEA Games staff in Bangkok, who spoke on condition of anonymity, declined to comment until a “technical investigation is finished”.
“The fight stays on the mats. Egos and frustrations must never translate into violence against anyone – officials, staff, or participants,” Philippine Pencak Silat Association president Princess Kiram wrote in a Facebook post on Dec 16.
“Remember we represent our flag.”
The biennial SEA Games, which run until Dec 20, feature thousands of athletes competing in events ranging from football and fencing to skateboarding, sailing and combat sports.
The Games are known for the inclusion of non-Olympic sports from the region such as pencak silat, a martial art distinguished by its dance-like movements, and sepak takraw, a form of foot volleyball played with a rattan ball.
The organisers of the 2025 edition were criticised for embarrassing stumbles even before the delayed opening ceremony on Dec 9, including failing to play national anthems and displaying incorrect flags.
Host Thailand leads the overall medal count, followed by Indonesia and Vietnam. AFP
