KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia’s national Muay Thai exponents have defied expectations at the ongoing Bangkok SEA Games, returning with an impressive 10 medals despite arriving mainly to gain experience.
The contingent clinched three golds, three silvers, and four bronzes, a haul that far exceeded their original goal of simply testing their young athletes on the regional stage.
Speaking to Scoop, Malaysia Muay Thai Association (PMM) president Datuk Muhammad Shahnaz Azmi admitted he was amazed by the team’s overall performance, particularly given that the squad fielded two athletes aged just 16.
“We are extremely proud of these young fighters. This time, we deliberately sent a youthful team, including two athletes who are only 16 years old,” said Shahnaz when contacted.
“Our original target was just one gold medal. The main objective was actually preparation for the 2027 SEA Games, where Malaysia will be hosting. So we came here mainly to gain experience, especially for our younger athletes,” he added.
Despite Muay Thai not being categorised as a core sport in Malaysia, Shahnaz stressed that the association has placed strong emphasis on athlete welfare and motivation by offering financial incentives for strong performances.
“From the association’s side, we do provide incentives starting from the early rounds. If an athlete wins by a dominant 3–0 decision, they receive RM2,000 for that bout,” he explained.
“For the semi-finals, there are additional bonuses for knockout wins. In the final, we award RM5,000, and the money is credited directly into the athlete’s account on the same day they win.”
He added that the athletes will also be eligible to receive the SHAKAM (Sports Victory Reward Scheme) incentives from the National Sports Council (MSN).
Shahnaz also expressed appreciation to the National Sports Institute (ISN) and MSN for their continued backing of Muay Thai, despite it not being a mainstream sport in the country.
“With three gold medals and a total of 10 medals from a non-core sport, I believe this is a very strong achievement,” he said.
Malaysia’s gold medals were delivered by teenage sensation Muhammad Mikail Ghazali Zulfikar in the men’s 57kg category, Wassof Rumijam in the men’s 54kg, and Yan Jia Chi, better known as Angie, who clinched gold in the women’s wai kru final after defeating Thai world champion Thanawan Thongduang at the iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium.
The national contingent also secured silver medals through Eva Anatasia Warren (women’s 48kg), Insyad Rumijam (men’s 51kg) and Nur Amisha Azrilrizal (women’s 51kg), further strengthening Malaysia’s reputation in Muay Thai on the Southeast Asian stage. – December 18, 2025