Singapore ends Malaysia’s 13-year reign in 14th Genting World Lion Dance Championship

SINGAPORE: A lion dance troupe from Singapore achieved a triumphant victory at the 14th Genting World Lion Dance Championship, ending Malaysia’s 13-year consecutive winning streak.

The championship’s finals unfolded over a three-day span, culminating on Sunday afternoon (6 Aug).

The event, organized by Resorts World Genting in Malaysia, brought together 36 teams from across the globe, including representatives from Myanmar, China, and the United States, all competing vigorously for victory.

This year marked the competition’s return after a four-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Representing Singapore were two exceptional teams from the Yi Wei Athletic Association (新加坡艺威体育会): Team A and Team B.

Yi Wei Athletic Association’s Team B, from Singapore, took center stage with their performance titled “Daring Artistry and Majestic Power: The Dragon’s Palace Treasure Hunt (艺胆雄威之龙宫寻宝).”

Team B featured two resplendent orange-yellow lions, masterfully reenacting the legendary episode of the mischievous Monkey King, Sun Wukong, wreaking havoc in the Dragon Palace and acquiring the iconic “Golden Cudgel,” also known as “Ruyi Jingu Bang(如意金箍棒).”

The audience responded with resounding applause, acknowledging the spectacle.

Their captivating display encompassed 17 intricate maneuvers, executed flawlessly, leading to a remarkable score of 9.73.

This achievement not only bestowed upon them the prestigious title of “World’s Lion Dance Champion” but also earned them a substantial prize of $15,000.

Securing third place, Yi Wei Athletic Association Team A, hailing from Singapore, showcased an impressive 19 intricate maneuvers, embracing the theme “Courageous Artistry: Carp’s Pearl Ejection (艺胆雄威之鲤鱼吐珠).”

Their performance garnered a commendable score of 9.58, earning them a prize of $5,000.

The Sungai Way Khuan Loke Dragon and Lion Dance Association (双溪威群乐体育会龙狮团) from Malaysia secured second place in the competition, earning a commendable score of 9.64.

As per the report, the champion will be awarded $15,000 in cash, while the first and second runners-up will receive $8,000 and $5,000 respectively.

Videos of Singapore’s teams were uploaded by lion dance enthusiasts on TikTok, with Team A can be seen as white-gold lions while Team B was in yellow-orange.

@edisonmaxx

The Champion 🏆👏 Singapore Yi Wei Athletic Association Team B 🇸🇬 | 14th World Lion Dance Championship 2023 |Final | #liondance #liondancecompetition

♬ original sound – Edison Jae – Edison Jae

@joejun0

🇲🇾 2023 第14屆雲頂世界獅王爭霸戰 14 Resort World Genting World Lion Dance Championship 2023 6/8 🇸🇬新加坡藝威体育会 A队 / Singapore Yiwei Team A 决赛/Final 季军🥉🥉🥉 总得：9.58 Congratulations！！！🥉🥉🥉 #马来西亚 #malaysia #malaysiatiktok #liondance #mualan #tariansinga #barongsai #醒獅 #醒狮 #舞狮 #舞狮生活 #舞狮表演 #舞狮运动 #liondancer #liondanceperformance #liondancecompetition #liondancelife #liondancetiktok #liondancer #liondancing #liondance2023 #舞狮比赛 #高桩 #高桩舞狮 #世界狮王争霸赛 #resortworldgenting #第14届云顶世界狮王争霸战 #liondancechampionship #新加坡 #singapore #singaporetiktok #yiweisingapore #yiwei #藝威 #艺威体育会 #艺威体育会a队 #liondancesingapore #NDP2023 #singapore58 #singapore58thbirthday

♬ 原声 – 🌹Joe Jun🌹 – 🌹Joe Jun🌹

Yi Wei Athletic Association excitedly shared their achievement on their official Facebook post, confirmed that both Team B and Team A have clinched 1st and 3rd place respectively.