Sukma XXI: Sabah muaythai team on the hunt for three more gold medals

BINTULU (Aug 20): The Sabah muaythai team is aiming to secure three more gold medals at the 21st Malaysia Games (Sukma XXI) combat event finals today.

Team manager Nazri Ab Razak said Sabah muaythai fighters will compete for gold in the men’s 45kg and 71kg categories, as well as the women’s 48kg and 57kg categories.

“Sabah has set a target of three gold medals, and any additional medals will be a bonus. All matches have been very intense, as each state has prepared thoroughly,” he told the media during the final of the waikru and mai muay events at Naim Bintulu Paragon Street Mall yesterday.

“Alhamdulillah, Sabah has achieved two gold and two silver medals in the ongoing Sukma 2024 muaythai events,” he said.

He predicted that the final in the combat event today will be intense with 14 gold medals up for grabs.

“The competition is very healthy, and we have brought in judges from Thailand, which is very good.

“Muaythai is currently very popular, especially in Borneo, with Sabah and Sarawak taking every opportunity to excel in this sport.

“We believe that this sport will continue to grow in Sabah, Sarawak, and other states,” Nazri said.

He added that the facilities at Sukma 2024 were excellent.

As a representative of Sabah and part of the technical team for the Malaysian Muaythai Association, he extended his gratitude for Sarawak’s hospitality.

“Sarawak has provided the best for all states to compete in Sukma Sarawak,” he said.

Meanwhile, Sabah’s gold medallist in the women’s waikru solo event, Yan Jia Chi said she has been preparing diligently for around two years for the event.

She was delighted that her hard work and dedication paid off as she achieved her target of winning gold for waikru.

“The competition from Sarawak was fierce, challenging us in various aspects,” Jia Chi shared.

Looking ahead, she has set her sights on the Asian Indoor Games in November this year and the SEA Games next year.

Sabah women’s mai muay gold medallist Jezzevelle Myora Jerry said she and partner Myra Arina Roslan have been training intensely for seven months in preparation for Sukma in Sarawak.

With unwavering support from their parents, coaches, and teammates, they have overcome numerous challenges.

“The choreography was tough to memorise,” Jezzevelle admitted.

However, their hard work and determination paid off, allowing them to perform at their best.

On what is next, Jezzevelle hopes to compete internationally in mai muay and is optimistic about her future in the sport.