PENANG’S national karate kumite athlete, Muhammad Arif Afifuddin Ab Malik, 26, has proven that determination and patience can lead to glory, even in the face of adversity.
In an exclusive interview with Buletin Mutiara, Arif shared that his journey in karate began thanks to his father’s encouragement.
His elder siblings were the first to join the sport and showed great potential, going on to achieve success at high levels.
Inspired by their accomplishments, Arif decided to follow in their footsteps.
“Alhamdulillah, my patience eventually paid off,” Arif reflected.
“I faced many challenges throughout my career, especially injuries right before major tournaments. But through perseverance, I managed to overcome them,” he said.
His dedication was rewarded when he clinched the gold medal at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, a moment he described as a proud and emotional achievement.
“My father always reminded me to be patient and to trust that there will be sweetness at the end of every struggle and defeat,” Arif shared.
Despite recently undergoing surgery for a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), Arif remains undeterred.
He is fully committed to defending his gold medal at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
“I am now undergoing physiotherapy and rehabilitation. God willing, I aim to return stronger within the next six months,” he said confidently.
Adding to his list of accolades, Arif was recently named Penang Sportsman of the Year 2023/2024, receiving a trophy and a cash prize of RM4,000 from Penang Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen.
Commenting on the recognition, Arif said it serves as a powerful motivation to push forward and achieve even greater success on the international stage.
Story by Riadz Akmal