Gasing pangkah exponents watch and wait for one to outdo the other after setting their tops spinning. — Photos: LOW BOON TAT/The Star
The parking grounds of Kelana Jaya Sports Complex came alive with the clash of spinning tops at the second edition of PJ Bergasing 2025.
A crowd of 1,000 people turned up for the event organised by Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) through its Cultural, Arts and Tourism Division in collaboration with the Malaysian Gasing Association (Pegama).
ALSO READ: Keeping traditional sport in motion
It was launched by MBPJ Zone 22 councillor Mohamed Hamka Mohamed Jumah.
This year’s tournament, aimed at celebrating the heritage of Malay games through competitions, performances and exhibitions, attracted 200 participants from 16 teams across Malaysia, Brunei and Singapore.
(Second from right) Muhammad Farhan and his teammates proud to bring home the gold medal and prize money from the PJ Bergasing 2025 contest.
The competition featured three categories – Open, Traditional Gasing and MBPJ Closed Contest – with a total prize pool of RM13,800.
Adding to the festive atmosphere was Pasar Saloma, a classic Malay-themed market.
PJ Bergasing 2025 programme coordinator and MBPJ Urban Arts and Tourism Unit representative Rozek Abd Rashid, 46, said he was moved to see such strong support.
Team Melaka getting ready to strike Team Selangor A’s spinning gasing in the contest at Kelana Jaya Sports Complex.
“It is heartwarming to see so many participants from multiple states,” he said.
Pegama member Fatima Massara Mohd Jais, 31, said the event renewed her hope for the continuity of gasing pangkah.
“It is exciting to see children participating in events like these, even if they were not many.
Fatima Massara holding a spinning gasing pangkah in the palm of her hand at PJ Bergasing 2025.
“The children are coached by Culture and Arts Department representatives in an initiative with the Education Ministry as part of their school co-curricular activity,” she said.
In the Traditional Gasing category, Melaka emerged champion with Selangor (A) in second place while Terengganu (A) came in third and Brunei finished fourth.
Melaka team representative Muhammad Farhan Mohd Zaidi, 27, said winning the gold medal carried personal meaning.
Children trying their hand at gasing pangkah at PJ Bergasing 2025.
“We are very excited to be named champion in this competition. All of our hard work has paid off,” he said.
“My father taught me how to play the game, so this medal is also for him.” The winning team also took home RM3,000 cash prize.
PJ Bergasing 2025 not only showcased the competitive spirit of the players but also highlighted the importance of preserving gasing pangkah as a cultural heritage for future generations. — By ASHIQIN AHMAD
