By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Dec 19: National Muay Thai rising star Muhammad Mikail Ghazali Zulfikar, better known as Miki Ghazali, created a golden moment for Malaysia after clinching the gold medal in the men’s 57kg category at the recent SEA Games, marking a dream debut on the regional stage at just 16 years old.
In the final bout held at the Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok on Wednesday (Dec 17), Miki delivered a dominant performance against Thailand’s Suphakon Sirilun, controlling all three rounds with composed footwork, solid defence and sharp counter-attacks despite the pressure from the home crowd.
The judges unanimously ruled in favour of the Malaysian teenager, awarding identical scores of 10–9, 10–9 and 10–9, reflecting his clear superiority throughout the contest.
Overcome with emotion after the victory was confirmed, Miki was visibly moved as he celebrated contributing a gold medal to Malaysia’s SEA Games tally.
According to a TVS report, Miki said his age was never a barrier to success, even when facing an older opponent in the final.
He added that there is no distinction between young or old once an athlete steps into the ring, as victory ultimately depends on skill, self-confidence and thorough preparation.
“Although I felt nervous, the confidence was there because I had prepared well. Reaching the final against Thailand was already expected and, in the end, Alhamdulillah, I managed to secure the win,” he told TVS when met upon his arrival at Kuching International Airport last night (Dec 18).
Miki is the younger brother of Malaysian Muay Thai star Johan Ghazali Zulfikar, better known as Jojo. — DayakDaily
