With high-tempo routine, pro training, they beat 18 other teams
A chairobics group from Kuala Lumpur beat 18 other teams to win a national-level competition in Melaka.
The team from Segambut’s Senior Citizens Activity Centre (Pawe) was crowned champions of SenaMas Chair Fitness National Competition 2026.
The Segambut Golden Groovers clinched the first prize of RM2,000 at the Melaka International Trade and Exhibition Centre in Ayer Keroh, where the finals were held.
At the heats held at Empire City in Petaling Jaya, Selangor two weeks earlier, the team had beaten five others fielded by Pawe centres from parliamentary constituencies in Kuala Lumpur as well as two other teams from Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS) and the Welfare Department (JKM).
The chairobics competition was introduced last year by JKM. The first round was organised by KBS and JKM.
The Melaka round was organised by JKM.
Segambut Pawe vice-chairman Zafrul Ismail said all six Segambut Golden Groovers members are over 60.
They are Lim Yeu Shiou, 60, Lim Suat Foon, 62, Tang Yoke Khuen, 63, Yap Soo Lee, 63, Tan Hwee Fong, 69, and Teoh Keok Huat, 72.
Yap participated in the first round but was unable to join the Melaka competition.
“The six trained four times a week under Ho Sieui Sun, a professional trainer appointed by Segambut Pawe.
“They had just two weeks to prepare for the heats, followed by another intensive week of preparation ahead of the Melaka event,” said Zafrul.
The music for their three-minute routine, featuring a specially mixed selection of Chinese, Malay and Indian songs, was put together by Zafrul, a former radio deejay.
“The songs were mixed at tempos ranging from 128 to 138 beats per minute.
“Although they were fast the participants had trained well and were fit,” he said, adding that judging was done by KBS and JKM and the criteria included dance moves and creativity.
“Many initially felt nervous about performing, but they were also excited to take on a new challenge, attend structured training sessions and work towards a shared goal.
“They are proud of their victory. This experience has also encouraged them to continue training in preparation for competitions next year,” said Zafrul.
Segambut Pawe also has other programmes such as line dancing, cookery, art classes and singing.
Pawe Segambut is located at Jalan 27/42, Taman Kok Doh, and is open to residents over 60.
