Sarina (back row, third from right) with her coaches and students after the conclusion of the inaugural Piala Puteri Classic competition. — Courtesy photos
THE inaugural Piala Puteri Classic, organised by Sarina Rhythmic Gymnastics Club (SRGC), not only championed athletic excellence but also cultivated the intrinsic values and aspirations of budding gymnasts.
The recent competition featured 10 age group categories for the club’s gymnasts, ranging from four to 16 years old.
The event saw routines conducted across all apparatus: rope, hoop, ball, clubs and ribbon, in accordance with participants’ respective age group and levels.
A standout feature was the Puteri Pavilion, a space where gymnasts shared the story of their journey and selected affirmations that reflected their aspirations.
“These affirmations served as quiet yet powerful reminders of the strength that begins with self-belief,” said SRGC’s founding principal and competition organiser Sarina Sundara Rajah.
The Piala Puteri Classic was first conceived in 2023, with the aim of establishing it as a legacy event that fosters athletic prowess, leadership, sportsmanship and a strong sense of community among young gymnasts.
However, it took two years of resource gathering and planning before it was launched.
Saleha Mohd Faiq strikes a pose after completing her routine.
The event also introduced four awards: Puteri Sehati, Puteri Suara, Puteri Azam and Puteri Purnama, recognising the values demonstrated by gymnasts such as teamwork, expression, perseverance and grace.
“Participation was limited to SRGC members as it was our first time organising a competition of this scale.
“This approach enabled us to focus on introducing new elements such as the Puteri Pavilion and Puteri Awards.
“It also ensured that every aspect of the event remained aligned with our core ‘Grace Meets Tradition’ values which are rooted in grace, integrity and empowerment,” Sarina said.
In the Under-7 Freehand category, Tew Yiqin secured first place, ahead of Sharifah Rhea Alsree Syed Rashid and Kylie Tan.
Kylie, who won the Rope Routine, also managed to surpass Yiqin by 1.15 points in the clubs routine to claim a second title.
Meanwhile, it was Alyaa Sofea Hanzali in the Under-9 category who swept three titles after finishing first in the clubs, freehand and hoop routines.
In the Junior category, Kaelyn Ong won first place in both ribbon and clubs routines but missed out in the hoop routine after landing in fifth place.
It was Enya Chat in the Junior category who emerged as the champion in the hoop routine, finishing ahead of Lee Qian En and Chew Hao Yin who placed second and third respectively.
Looking ahead, Sarina aims to broaden participation by inviting gymnastics clubs from across Malaysia.
“In time, we also wish to extend invitations to participants from across the region,” she said.
