SOME 1,400 primary school pupils took part in the third CJ National Cheerleading Championship 2026 at Arena Sukan Kuala Lumpur on Saturday.
The competition drew 83 teams from 68 SJKC schools in Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Perak and Penang.
More than 4,000 parents, teachers, family members and supporters were at the event, according to the organisers.
The competition, organised by CJ Sports Academy, is recognised by the Education Ministry as a co-curricular activity under the Pentaksiran Aktiviti Jasmani, Sukan dan Kokurikulum (PAJSK).
It was also sanctioned by the Cheerleading Association and Register of Malaysia (CHARM).
CJ Sports Academy founder Jeffrey Loh Kheen Ho said the competition was set up to allow pupils to develop skills outside the classroom.
“Cheerleading is much more than a sport. It develops discipline, teamwork, leadership, resilience and self-confidence,” he said.
He said the response to this year’s competition showed the growing interest in cheerleading among schools and families.
Bata Malaysia and Singapore managing director Rabi Hasnabi said the performances were the result of months of training and preparation by the pupils.
“Behind every cheer and every performance are hours of practice, determination and the courage to give it your all,” he said.
Bata was the presenting partner of the competition, which also received support from McDonald’s Malaysia, IN2IT Cosmetics, Prudential and J Group.
The championship started in Melaka four years ago with a smaller number of participating schools before expanding to include teams from six states this year.
CJ Sports Academy was founded by former Team Malaysia cheerleaders and provides training in cheerleading, gymnastics and dance.
The academy said its founders have more than 15 years of coaching and competition experience, including representing Malaysia at international cheerleading events.
The organisers said they hoped more schools would form cheerleading teams and participate in future editions of the competition. – August 20, 2026
