Five Malaysian aerial athletes from Viva Vertical recently represented Malaysia at the Japan Pole & Aerial Sports Championship 2026, achieving an impressive milestone for the country’s growing presence in the international aerial sports community.
Held from 16 to 19 July 2026 in Osaka, Japan, the annual championship welcomed athletes from Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia and China. The Open Division provided an opportunity for international athletes to compete while also serving as a qualifying platform for the World Pole & Aerial Championships (WPAC).
Representing Malaysia, Viva Vertical’s five athletes delivered an outstanding performance by securing five Gold medals and one Silver medal across various categories. Their achievements reflected not only their technical ability but also months of dedication, discipline and preparation leading up to the competition.
Beyond the medals, the championship represented a meaningful step forward for Malaysia’s aerial sports community. International competitions provide local athletes with valuable opportunities to gain exposure, exchange knowledge with athletes from around the world and continue improving the standards of aerial sports in Malaysia.
The journey to the championship involved months of intensive preparation. The athletes balanced rigorous training schedules with their responsibilities as instructors while preparing themselves physically and mentally for the challenges of an international competition.
Competing overseas also required the athletes to adapt to new environments, unfamiliar apparatus, international judging standards and the pressure of performing on a global stage.
Among the participating athletes was Cynthia Wong Yee Ling, who made her international competition debut after previously competing only in Malaysia. Stepping onto the competition floor in Japan marked an important personal milestone, allowing her to build confidence and experience the excitement of representing her country internationally.
“At Viva Vertical, we believe confidence isn’t built on the competition floor; it’s built through every challenge an athlete is willing to take on,” said Nana Shan Liew, Director of Viva Vertical.
“Watching someone like Cynthia represent Malaysia internationally for the very first time was incredibly meaningful. Every experienced athlete was once a first-time competitor. When we create opportunities for our instructors to step onto the global stage, we are not only helping them become better athletes, but also helping them grow as coaches, leaders and role models who can inspire the next generation of aerial athletes in Malaysia.”
As part of its commitment to developing local talent, Viva Vertical supported the participating instructors by covering their competition registration and accommodation in Japan. This support allowed the athletes to focus fully on their performance while gaining the maximum learning experience from the championship.
For Viva Vertical, international competitions are more than just achievements or medals. They are opportunities for continuous growth and learning. Competing alongside athletes from across the region allows Malaysian athletes to benchmark themselves against international standards, exchange ideas and bring new perspectives back to the local aerial community.
The Japan Pole & Aerial Sports Championship 2026 reflects Viva Vertical’s long-term vision of creating opportunities that extend beyond the studio. For nearly two decades, the organisation has played a role in nurturing Malaysia’s aerial arts community through education, performances and coach development.
In 2026, Viva Vertical celebrated its 20th anniversary with the Viva Circus Festival, bringing together performers, athletes and the wider aerial community to celebrate two decades of creativity, growth and achievement.
The festival highlighted the organisation’s ongoing commitment to developing talent, inspiring future generations and strengthening Malaysia’s position within the regional aerial sports community.
“Our vision has always been bigger than the competition itself,” Nana added.
“Every opportunity we create today helps shape the future of aerial sports in Malaysia by developing confident instructors, stronger athletes and a community that continues to inspire one another. That’s the legacy we hope to build.”
As Malaysia’s aerial sports community continues to grow, international participation remains an important pathway for raising standards, nurturing talent and increasing the country’s presence on the global stage.
For Viva Vertical, the journey continues beyond one competition. Through every opportunity to develop athletes, build confidence and inspire others, the organisation continues working towards a stronger future for Malaysian aerial sports.