Sabah muaythai celebrates fantastic Sukma XXI outing

KUCHING (Aug 21): Sabah’s muaythai team has enjoyed one of its finest outings in the Malaysia Games (Sukma).

The squad amassed five gold, three silver, and two bronze medals to finish second overall behind hosts Sarawak (five gold, four silver, one bronze) in the 21st edition of the country’s premier multi-sport event.

Sabah Muaythai Association president Nazri Ab Razak attributed the team’s performance to the programmes carried out by coaches in preparation for the games.

“Our efforts have yielded positive results, proven by the total medal contribution which was among the highest we have achieved in Sukma,” an elated Nazri said today.

He pledged that the state association would continue to ensure Sabah’s athletes continue to shine in future competitions, including at international level.

“Several muay athletes from Sabah have become part of the national team due to their excellent achievements.

“Our athletes will look forward to donning the national colours in the Ifma (International Federation of Muaythai Associations) World Championship in Bangkok, Thailand in September.

“In all, the performance has been very encouraging  and we will work even harder for the upcoming Sabah Games (Saga) and the next Sukma,” he added.

State coach Cyrille Dhillon Tahing hoped the outstanding outing in Sukma would have a positive impact on the development of the sport in Sabah.

“I am very happy, proud, and satisfied with the results of the Sabah muaythai team. This achievement is proof of the commitment and hard work of all parties involved.

“I want to thank KBSS (Youth and Sports Ministry Sabah), MSN (Sabah Sports Council), and especially our coaching team, who worked together to train and provide strong support to the Sabah muaythai team,” he said.

He opined that the success not only reflects the athletes’ abilities but would also serve to inspire all muaythai fans in Sabah.

“It will help the development of Sabah muaythai to be more committed to producing quality athletes to represent the state and the country,” he said.

Sabah’s Sukma muaythai gold medallists were Yan Jia Chi (women’s waikru solo), Jezzevelle Myora Jerry and Myra Arina Roslan (women’s mai muaythai duo), Eva Anastasia Warren (women’s 45-48kg), Stacy Poong Dai Hee (women’s 54-57kg), and Hellmi Samsir (men’s 67-71kg).

Silver medals came  from Asyraf Danial Abdul Latif-Marshall Jayden Jerry (men’s mai muaythai duo), Muhammad Iktikharsyahlan As Roslan Zakaria (men’s waikru solo), and Muhammad Rahmad Raman Ali Chandra (men’s 42-45kg duel); while the bronze medals were contributed by Nur Insyirah Mandol (women’s 42-45kg) and Efron Jaidin (men’s 57kg-60kg).