Kota Kinabalu: Sabah Muaythai Association set another milestone by capturing the overall title at the 1st Asean Muaythai Team & Youth Championship held at Paradigm Mall, Kelana Jaya from August 28 to 31.
The State contingent represented by 26 athletes managed to take home a total of 14 golds, four silvers and six bronzes to top the medal tally.
All the medals came from the combat discipline apart from three golds in the wai kru discipline.
The gold medallists were Auryelle Xzandra Bobby, Bella Shynella Javier, Addy Ardryqa Arman, Vincent Liew Lip Fung, Wallace Isaiah Wilfred, Malaeka Batrisyia Abdul Lazi, Hazelyn Hazel Hari Irawan, Evyanka Qistina Ady, Bradley Manson Wilbert, Harith Dazzel Hari Irawan, Muhammad Izack Devid, Dazaisy Hafiy Aznee, Mohammad Aminsyah Andrey Nazrul Haizad and John Wills Kornelus.
The silvers were delivered by Siti Alisya Nurdinawati Abdullah, Dheafathonah Syafiee Yusin, Mohammad Faliq Herlis, Hectlyor Rawing Anak Daniel, while the bronzes came from Nick Nynell Arletto Kent Anddy, Mohd Zuran Khayruddin Amirudin Abdullah, Ersyahbbel Asharie Mohd Zaini, Derylino Dedy, Denisha Aliyah Dendi and Denise Aleesya Dendi.
Head coach Cyrille Dhillon Tahing said the latest achievement from the State athletes was the result of joint efforts from all parties concerned.
“It was a team effort. Athletes, coaches and management team all played an important role for this success.
“It all started from the grassroots level and the results are starting to show. However, our journey is still a distance away in our mission to strengthen Sabah’s reputation as one of the Muaythai superpowers in the region.
“Hopefully, this Asean level success will motivate more athletes to train harder and achieve further success in much higher levels to make the state proud,” he said.
Sabah Muaythai Association president Hj. Nazri Ab Razak was proud of the athletes’ overall performance.
“I am very proud of all the athletes who have fought hard in the ring. Their success apart from their hard work and dedication was also the result of the unwavering support from the coaches, families and parents.
“This great success story proved that with thorough preparations, dedication, and strong support from all parties, we will be able to strengthen our position as a major contender in the Malaysian and Asean Muaythai arena,” he said.
He added that the association is now focusing its full attention on the preparations of the Sabah Games (Saga) 2025 which will be held from October 11 to 17 in Tawau.
