Six Sabahans to represent nation in Muaythai c’ships
KOTA KINABALU: Six of Sabah’s Muaythai athletes have been selected to represent Malaysia in the 2017 IFMA Youth World Championships in Bangkok, Thailand from August 3 to 11.
The state juniors were picked out after they impressed in the recent National Junior Championship, which was also a Pre-SEA Games tourney in Kuala Lumpur.
The athletes are Daniel Fiediens Maideh in the 42kg category for the 12-13 age group, Kallens Barthez Jafali (57kg 14-15 years), Areen Khan Shahzam (45kg 16-17 years), Riedzwan Norsyahmie Daud (48kg 16-17 years), Mohd Shazmiel Shahzam (57kg 16-17 years) and Kenny Jafili (71kg 16-17 years).
Sabah Muaythai Association president Ir. Hj. Nazri Hj. Ab. Razak said the state exponents were ready to give their best against the world’s best juniors.
“With the abilities that they have coupled with continuous training to improve their techniques, I believe our national juniors will be ready for the challenges at this prestigious championship.
“They have shown much improvement in the recent national championship and for that, I am sure that Sabah’s national boxers will be able to give their best,” he said in a statement to the press yesterday.
Nazri went on to thank various parties for their strong support and assistance given to the athletes, including the Youth and Sports Ministry, Sabah Sports Council, Sabah Education Department and ISN Sabah.
“The athletes are eager for action and armed with the ‘Rhinos Warriors’ spirit, I believe our athletes will be able to come home with medals,” he said, while adding that their participation could help lift and promote Muaythai further in the state.
Nazri said he will be travelling with the athletes to Bangkok to show his support and will be joined by sport manager Ajman Ajmain as well as state coaches Cyrille Dhillon Tahing, Rayner Kinsiong and Hamzah Hassan.