Two silat world champs incentive from T’ganu govt

KUALA TERENGGANU: The Terengganu state government yesterday presented a plot of land to two National silat exponents as an incentive for winning gold medals at the World Silat Championships held in Bali, Indonesia from December 5 to 10.

Apart from the plot of land (for building a house) Razak Ghazali and Siti Rahmah Mohd Nasir from Terengganu, also received RM16,500 cash each.

Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Razif Abdul Rahman said State Youth and Sports and Human Resource committee chairman Datuk Rozi Mamat would identify the location, preferably near to their current residence, soon.

“The success of the duo is another feather in Terengganu sporting excellence and the state government would list pencak silat among other sports that are given special focus, namely hockey, cycling and endurance horse racing.

“Pencak silat will be developed as a sport with the potential to unearth many more talented silat exponents who can go on to excel on the world stage,” he told reporters after presenting mock cheques to the duo at Wisma Darul Iman here yesterday.

Terengganu silat coach Shahrul Fahmi Abu Bakar also received RM9,000 as incentive while Mohamed Khusairy Azhar who reached the quarterfinals of the same championships took home RM1,500.

Meanwhile, Siti Rahmah said the incentives would inspire her to maintain the momentum in future tournaments.

“I am glad that pencak silat has gained recognition and attention. We hope to continue lifting the status of the sport,” said Siti Rahmah who completed a hattrick of wins in the World Silat Championships after wins in 2012, 2015 and 2016.

Razak who was equally pleased with the incentives said he would play his part in making the sport popular among youths.

“Last year I managed only a silver but this year I managed to win the gold and I am very happy with my achievement despite taking the sport only in 2014,” he said.