Adam flies home with gold and hope

international tournaments in two weeks had earned Adam Akasyah a gold medal, lessons learnt and a strong determination with eyes set on the 2024 Olympics.

Adam, who won gold during the London Winter Open IBJJF Jiu Jitsu Championship last week, had to concede defeat at the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam at London’s Olympic Park last Sunday when the match was awarded to Brazilian Vasco Antonio Simoes De Souse Lobo after a draw.

Lobo, who lost to Adam in the Winter Open earlier, won the gold this time.

“It was a technical match, and the victor was the first to impose his game.

“It was tough because I could not execute my game plan.

“I could have improved my performance if I acted first and changed a few approaches to my strategy,” said Adam who flew home yesterday after taking part in the two international tournaments.

“God willing, I plan to compete in Copa da Malaysia on April 14 at the Paradigm Mall in Petaling Jaya,” said Adam, taking the defeat as a learning experience.

Unlike the earlier match at Crystal Palace where he met Lobo in the final, at the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam, Lobo gained advantage position within minutes of the first round match, leaving not much room for Adam to maneuver.

The match ended in a draw after five minutes and the referee awarded the match to Lobo.

Adam, who represented Inglorious Grapplers, and is with the Marcos Escobar BJJ Kota Damansara, is sponsored by Hyperfly and his parents for his training and overseas competitions.

“It would be great if I could secure sponsorship so that I am able to compete internationally and gain invaluable experience competing at the highest level,” said the martial arts enthusiast who is waiting for his SPM results.

His father, Akasyah Sabri, Head of Asset Management with MRTCorp, who accompanied him to both tournaments, said: “I would like Adam to take more risks and adopt an open approach by being more flexible with his top and bottom game.”

Blue belt Adam, who competed in the featherweight category, has so far won seven gold medals.

His first was in the Copa de Bangkok 2015 Championship.

In tournaments in Japan and Taiwan, he won silver.

Another Malaysian participant in the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam, Terence Yu won a bronze in the male, brown belt, Master 2 category.