Buoyed by muaythai squad’s Sukma success, Sarawak’s head coach looks to bigger competitions

BINTULU (Aug 21): Sarawak’s impressive feat of emerging over champion for muaythai at the 21st Malaysia Games (Sukma XXI) has driven head coach Muhammad Azan Mohd Nadzri to set even higher targets for his athletes.

With a vision to elevate Sarawak’s muaythai talent to the international stage, he is exploring opportunities to provide his team members with the exposure they need to compete at the highest levels.

“We will try to include Sarawak’s athletes in the SEA Games, maybe even the World Championships,” he told the media on the final day of the Sukma XXI muaythai event yesterday.

He said exposure at higher-level competitions is crucial for his team’s development.

“If any of our athletes are selected for the SEA Games, their training will continue without interruption,” he said.

Among the standouts was Maurien Hii Sie Lin, who shared her journey to gold in the women’s 48kg to 51kg duel.

“Train hard, listen to the coach, then just do and train hard,” she said.

Maurien said her biggest challenge was losing weight, which required significant mental motivation.

“I dedicate this gold to my sifu, my team, and Sarawak,” she added.

Double gold medallist Mifdal Wafiy Ayatullah is also looking forward to muaythai competitions.

“My next target is to compete at higher levels, like Ifma (International Federation of Muaythai Associations) or the SEA Games. We will push harder for those competitions,” he said.

Mifdal, who won the waikru (solo art) and mai muaythai (duo art) gold medals, said being able to do his utmost best for Sarawak has been incredible.

“The teamwork and cooperation with the coaches were excellent, and we exceeded our targets,” he added.

Among those present to support to Sarawak’s athletes in the combat final matches yesterday were Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Sukma XXI chef de mission Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu, and Sarawak muaythai assistant chef de mission Johnny Pang.