Sabah’s Muaythai world champion performs at Paris Olympics

KOTA KINABALU (Aug 8): Sabah Muay Thai athlete Yan Jia Chi is representing Malaysia at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Jia Chi, a multiple world champion in Wai Kru discipline (non-sparring), is representing the country alongside Sarawak-born Perak athlete Rifdean Masdor at the Olympics, where Muay Thai is being featured for the first time as a demonstration sport.

Although this is a non-medal event, Jia Chi is still thrilled to represent Malaysia, describing the opportunity as a “once-in-a-lifetime experience”.

“I’m deeply honoured and grateful to have been chosen to participate in the muaythai showcase Olympics 2024 side programme.

“This incredible opportunity is a testament to the hard work and dedication that has brought me to this moment.

“I extend my heartfelt thanks to (president) Datuk Muhammaad Shahnaz Azmi and Persatuan Muaythai Malaysia (Malaysia Muaythai Association) for recognising my efforts and giving me this platform to represent Malaysia and showcase my talents on such a prestigious stage,” she said.

Jia Chi also thanked her mother for unwavering support and encouragement, as well as Muaythai Sabah president Nazri Ab Razak for his guidance and belief in her, which have been instrumental in her reaching this milestone.

“This experience is not only a personal achievement but also a chance to inspire and connect with people from around the world.

“I am excited to make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime experience,” the 20-year-old added.

Jia Chi is the current world champion in the Wai Kru discipline after her golden outing at the Ifma World Senior and U23 World Championships in Greece in June.

In 2023, she won the individual gold at the Ifma World Senior Championship in Thailand, Ifma Youth World Championship & U23 World Cup in Turkey, and World Combat Games in Riyadh.

The Kota Kinabalu lass’ other notable achievements were winning gold at the Ifma World Youth Muaythai Championship & Muay Thai Grand Slam 2022, and Malaysia Games (Sukma) 2022, both in the Mai Muay Duo event, in Kuala Lumpur.

Jia Chi will spearhead Sabah’s challenge at the 21st Sukma in Sarawak in the middle of this month.

Meanwhile, Nazri said he was equally proud when Jia Chi was awarded on merit one of the two slots allocated to Muaythai Malaysia for the Olympic Games.

The Muaythai Sabah president said he was pleased with the performance and achievement of the state athlete.

“It is an achievement that we are very proud of,” said Nazri, who also travelled to Paris, in a recent statement.

Nazri said that having Muaythai featured as a demonstration sport was a good start, if not a pivotal first step for the sport to become an official Olympics event in the future.

For the Olympics, 24 countries are involved in Muay Thai matches at the specially constructed stadium at Club France in Paris.