By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, Aug 22: In a dazzling display of grit and skill, 15-year-old Muhammad Mikail Ghazali Zulfikar (Miki) has etched his name into the annals of his family’s storied legacy, seizing gold in the fiercely contested men’s 51-54 kilogramme (kg) category during the muaythai finals at the 21st Malaysian Games (Sukma 2024).
According to national news agency Bernama, the young fighter, following in the formidable footsteps of his elder brother, national muaythai sensation Muhammad Johan Ghazali Zulfikar, affectionately known as Jojo, made a thunderous debut at Sukma 2024.
Miki’s win was nothing short of spectacular, as he defeated Melaka’s Muhammad Zulfakar Othman by a commanding 24-14 score in the finals on Aug 20 at Naim Street Paragon Mall in Bintulu.
With his win, Miki helped Sarawak reach its goal of securing two gold medals in the sport, echoing the successes of the 2022 Sukma edition in Kuala Lumpur, where Jojo and their eldest brother, Elias Ghazali Zulfikar, had both struck gold in their respective categories.
Sarawak emerged as the undisputed powerhouse in muaythai at Sukma 2024, finishing first in the medal tally with an impressive haul of 10 medals — five gold, four silver, and one bronze.
The five individuals who emerged as gold medallists are Mifdal Wafiy Ayatullah, Mohamad Azrell Saifullah Abdullah, Maurien Hii Sie Lin, Miki, and Texas Jeremy Lo.
Sarawak’s dominance in muaythai at Sukma 2024 was closely contested by Sabah, who finished in second place with an equally impressive haul of 10 medals.
Although both states claimed five gold medals, Sarawak edged ahead with four silver and one bronze, while Sabah earned three silver and two bronze medals.
Meanwhile, Perak secured third place with a commendable tally of six medals — four gold, one silver, and one bronze. — DayakDaily
