By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, Aug 8: Sarawakian athletes are gearing up to proudly represent Malaysia at the 2022 International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA) Youth World Championships, which will be held at the Sunway Pyramid Convention Centre in Selangor from August 9 to 21.
Three Sarawakian athletes, Muhammad Johan Ghazali Zulfikar and Mikail Ghazali Zulfikar, siblings who represent the Rentap Muaythai Club, and Texas Jeremy Lo, who represents the SS Fighter Club, were selected to represent the country after their outstanding performances in recent local and national championships.
They are part of the A Team, which will compete in the Muay Sport category alongside six other athletes: Raisya Umairah, Damia Husna, Raja Izati Nabila, Putra Abdullah, Raja Izaffudin Petra, and Mohd Insyad.
In addition, six athletes from the B Team will compete in the tournament under their own sponsorship with the assistance of the Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC), Sarawak State Sports Council (MSNS), and Sarawak Muaythai Association (PMNS).
They are Muhammad Nur Aiman Kamaruddin (MTK/Kilas Muay Thai), Muhammad Syameil Saufie (Sting), Muhammad Hakim Abdullah (Sting), and Nur Haina Aisyah Muhamad Haikal Jenil (Phoenix Meranek), who will compete in the Muay Sport category.
These four are believed to be the champions of the national championship and the recent N6 Muaythai Championship.
Two more athletes, Nur Afiqah Musfirah Baharom (Phoenix Meranek) and Nur Arifah Mahsunah Baharom (Phoenix Meranek), will compete in the Wai Khru/Muay Boran category.
Malaysia will host the 2022 IFMA Youth World Muaythai Championships this year, with the opening event officiated by Prime Minister Dato Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob on August 10 at Sunway Lagoon’s Surf Beach.
The Malaysian Muaythai Association (PMM) is putting together a team of the best athletes from each state to represent Malaysia at the prestigious tournament. — DayakDaily
