AT just 21 years old, Penang boxer Muhd Mukhriz Khan is determined to make his first Malaysia Games (SUKMA) appearance one to remember by delivering a gold medal for the state when the prestigious multi-sport event takes place in Selangor this August.
Speaking to Buletin Mutiara during an interview at the Penang State Sports Council (MSNPP) office in Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, Mukhriz said he has been fully focused on his preparations under the guidance of coach Jhonny Kasiran.
Having taken up boxing at the age of 14, Mukhriz believes years of dedication have prepared him for one of the biggest challenges of his sporting career.
“So far, my preparations have been going well. Coach Kasiran has been pushing me hard with an intensive training schedule to ensure I’m at my very best for SUKMA,” he said.
With the competition drawing closer, Mukhriz said the intensity of his training has increased significantly to ensure he reaches peak physical condition.
“Our training schedule is very packed because SUKMA is just around the corner. Every session is designed to make sure I’m 100% fit and ready,” he added.
Mukhriz will compete in the men’s flyweight (51kg) category.
As part of his preparations, he also attended a national team selection camp, where he gained valuable exposure by training under national coaches.
“I learned a lot from the national coaches during the selection. It gave me extra experience and helped improve my preparations for SUKMA,” he said.
The young boxer also heads into the games with encouraging form after clinching a silver medal at a boxing tournament in Perak last month.
Despite his confidence, Mukhriz admitted that the biggest challenge lies in handling both the mental and physical demands of competing at SUKMA.
“SUKMA is a very prestigious tournament, so the pressure feels different. Of course, I’m nervous because I know all the other athletes are training just as hard as I am.
“It won’t be easy, but I’ll give everything I have and do my absolute best,” he said.
Meanwhile, coach Kasiran acknowledged that preparing Penang’s boxing contingent has presented unique challenges, as most of the state’s athletes are university students balancing their academic commitments with intensive training.
“Time management is one of the biggest challenges because they have to juggle their studies and training. We try our best to help them by providing structured training programmes.
“If they are unable to come to the training centre, we prepare customised training programmes that they can complete at their colleges or universities. Whenever they miss a session, we provide special programmes to ensure they stay on track,” he said.
Kasiran also revealed that MSNPP has implemented a strict selection policy to ensure only athletes capable of competing at the highest level represent Penang at SUKMA.
“Athletes must meet certain performance benchmarks before they are selected. For example, if they compete in a national championship, they must at least reach the quarter-finals. Those who fail to meet the required standard will not be selected.
“Although we may not send athletes in every weight category, those who are selected have earned their places and are capable of putting up a strong fight,” he said.
This year, Penang will field a six-member boxing contingent comprising five men and one woman.
Kasiran noted that the team faces an uphill task after Penang emerged overall boxing champions at the previous SUKMA, winning five gold medals and one bronze.
“This year’s squad is made up entirely of first-time SUKMA athletes, so it will certainly be more challenging compared to the previous edition. However, I believe they will give their very best and proudly represent Penang,” he said.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Siew Chia En