By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, Sept 22: The Sarawak Muay Thai team returned home to rousing applause at the Kuching International Airport (KIA) tonight, after winning two gold medals and four bronze medals at the 20th Malaysia Games (Sukma).
The Ghazali brothers dominated in the final day of the Sukma Muay Thai competition yesterday, winning gold in their respective final bouts at South City Mall in Seri Kembangan.
Muhd Johan Ghazali Zulfikar, 16, expressed happiness and pride over winning the gold medal when he was met by reporters tonight.
“It was my first time competing in Sukma, and I am extremely proud to have won a gold medal alongside my brother, who also won a gold medal.
“My next tournament will be a professional fight in Kuala Lumpur, but the tournament’s name is still unknown, and I will be competing alone,” Johan said.
He said his goal is to elevate Sarawak’s reputation and make the people of Sarawak proud always.
Meanwhile, Elias Ghazali Zulfikar, 20, Johan’s elder brother, also expressed joy and pride in emerging champion in his weight category.
“My next Muay Thai competition will be in Bangkok, Thailand, next month, and I will be competing alone.
“The tournament is called ‘Fairtex Fight Road to One’ and it takes place at the Lumpinee Boxing Stadium,” Elias stated.
He also revealed that preparations for the competition are proceeding smoothly.
Elias added that after Sukma, he will rest and recuperate for one to two days before beginning preparations for his next tournament.
“I hope to win again in the next tournament,” remarked the 20-year-old.
Muay Thai coach Khru Addy expressed his satisfaction with the Sarawak Muay Thai team’s performance, particularly with the Ghazali brothers.
Meanwhile, rounding off Sarawak’s successful outing are Nur Azirah Mohamad Yusuf (women’s 57kg), sisters Nur Afiqah Musfirah and Nur Arifah Mahsunah Baharom (women’s Waikru Mai), Mohammad Hasbullah Mood (men’s 45kg), and Jabilan Jelevan Thiagarajan (men’s 67kg) who brought back bronze medals. — DayakDaily
