Sukma XXI: S’wak Muaythai exponents excited for final, determined to bring gold home

BINTULU (Aug 19): Texas Jeremy Lo continues his journey in the Malaysia Games (Sukma) XXI, aiming to turn his debut into a golden triumph.

In the Muaythai semifinal on Aug 18, he stepped into the ring for his debut competing in the 54-57kg category.

In a post-match interview, Texas Jeremy said he was both nervous and excited, and felt the weight of the moment of representing Sarawak for the first time in this prestigious event.

(This is my) first time in Sukma. It’s a very big event, so of course I’m a little bit nervous but excited,” he shared with The Borneo Post with a smile.

Texas Jeremy had a clear strategy going into the match — pressure his opponent with relentless kicks, which kept his opponent on the back foot.

As for Cherilynn Christalle Qi Q Chan, her journey to the final of the Sukma XXI has been nothing short of inspiring.

The young Muaythai exponent was filled with happiness and gratitude as she prepared for the ultimate showdown in the 51-54kg category.

“I’’m very happy and grateful to reach the final. It was not easy and there is one more step to go before the end,” she said after her fight.

As she looks ahead to the final match, her resolve is stronger than ever.

“In the final, I will try my hardest,” she said.

On her strategy in the semi-final, she said she focused on striking hard and doubling any hits she received.

“Whatever hit I receive, I will double it to my opponent. Just try harder and push harder, because if she gets tired and I’m tired, she’s going to be more tired than me. So, I have to be strong and never give up,” she said.

Cherilynn’s hope for the final is not just to win for herself, but for everyone who supported her along the way.

“My hope for the final is to win and show everyone I can do it and make sure all the hard work pays off — not just for me, but for friends and family, my coach, trainers and everyone who supported me. I want to win for them,” she said.

As for Mauriene Hii Sie Liin, who is preparing for the final match in the 48-51kg category, she feels a mix of luck and determination after winning the semi-final. Reflecting on her journey, she acknowledges the close scores that brought her here and said she was ready to give her all in the coming bout.

“Going to the final, I feel lucky because the score was not so big, so I will fight with more power in the final,” she shared with a determined smile.

In the semifinal, her strategy was to utilise a combination of punches and kicks to score points — a tactic that proved effective in securing her spot in the final. Looking ahead, her goals are clear — win the gold medal, avoid injuries and outscore her opponent.

Two other Sarawak fighters qualifying for the final are Muhammad Mikhail Ghazali Zulfikar in the men’s 51-54kg category and Azhad Haziq Syafaat Abdul Khalid in the men’s 67-71kg category.