NATIONAL muay coach Azrol Mohammad hailed his team of nine exponents as heroes after returning from the 16th World Muay Thai Championship with seven gold, two silver and one bronze medals.
The Malaysian team, who flew into Penang today from Bangkok where the world meet was held from March 12 to 20, was warmly welcomed home by state Youth and Sports Committee chairman Soon Lip Chee, Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s political secretary Abu Bakar Yahaya, Malaysian Muay Association (MMA) adviser Lay Hock Peng, MMA secretary Shairil Rizal Mohd Saad, Perak and Kedah officials, and family members at the Penang International Airport in Bayan Lepas.
“As you can see, our fighters are all small in physique compared to other participants but they have a lot of guts and fighting spirit. They amazed everyone with their determination. I salute them,” Azrol told reporters shortly upon arrival.
Soon congratulated all of them for their spirited performance and paid tribute to their parents for their sacrifices.
“I must thank their parents for giving them full support. It’s not easy. The others like the associations, coaches, sports clubs and government agencies also played a part though,” Soon said.
“The fact that we could win 10 medals showed that Malaysia have the talents and that Perak, Kedah, Perlis and Penang could compete in international stage. I hope the young fighters will continue to train hard and achieve further goals.”
In the midst of the press conference, Abu Bakar conveyed the Prime Minister’s congratulatory message to the team.
“Our fighters gave a remarkable show in which 60 nations took part. I’m very proud of them. If we prepare well, we can catch up. And I hope whatever funds that come along for the association will be properly utilised,” said Abu Bakar.
Lay, who said Malaysia won only one gold in the 2016 world championships, hoped the Sports Ministry would help in the setting up of Muay training centres that are sorely needed by most states.
Fourteen-year-old Muhammad Aliff Mohd Azizi of Penang was toast of the team for winning two golds, the first came in the 45-48kg cadet category and the second from an invitational challenge where he beat a rival from India, who is 10 years his senior.
“My father is the man responsible for introducing me to the sport. I took it up since I was in Year Six and has been enjoying it,” said Muhammad Aliff, a Form Three student of Sekolah Menengah Telok Air Tawar.
Aliff’s elder brother, Muhammad Adam, also performed well by clinching a silver medal in the 54-57kg youth category. They are the only two Penang representatives in the national team for the world meet.
The other medal winners were Muhammad Firdaus Zulkifli (1 gold – cadet 43-45kg), Muhaimien Faezz Md Farid (1 gold – youth 48-51kg), Muhammad Iszham Ramlan (1 gold – cadet 51-54kg), Mohammad Shahren Haqimi Mohd Rashis (1 gold – youth 43-45kg), Muhamad Radzi Ismail (1 gold – youth 51-54kg), Muhammad Ulya Nuruddin Epi (silver – cadet 42-43kg) and Arif Suhail Shahbudin (1 bronze – pro am 51-54kg).
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad