PORT DICKSON — World silat champion Sergeant V. Thamaraj, along with his colleagues Sergeant Ahmad Fauzan Abd Hadi and Staff Sergeant Mohd Nor Khalid, were awarded the prestigious ‘Pisau Tentera Darat’ for their exceptional achievements and bravery, bringing honour to the Malaysian Army (TDM).
Thamaraj, 29, who serves in the 9th Company of the Royal Military Police Corps, made history by becoming the first Indian silat exponent to win a gold medal in the men’s free category at the 20th World Pencak Silat Championships held in Abu Dhabi, UAE, last December.
Thamaraj expressed his pride in receiving the award, calling it a significant milestone in his career. He is determined to continue serving the country and achieving greater success.
“Thank you to the Malaysian Army Armed Forces (MAF), the National Sports Council and the Malaysian National Silat Federation for helping realise my dream of becoming a world champion.
“For me, silat is different from other martial arts… the skills and techniques are also unique,” he told reporters.
The second of three siblings, Thamaraj also highlighted the impact of silat techniques like ‘sapuan’ and ‘guntingan,’ which inspire local practitioners to deepen their understanding of the sport.
Fauzan, 33, who won the gold medal in the men’s solo creative category at the same championships, and Mohd Nor, 41, who was recognised for his bravery in rescuing four teenagers from drowning at a lake in Puncak Alam, Selangor, on November 24, were also honoured at the ceremony.
Fauzan, who serves at the Royal Military Police Corps Training Centre, believes that Thamaraj’s success will encourage more people from diverse ethnic backgrounds to take up silat and help raise the profile of the sport.
“Thank you as well to the Commander and the MAF for awarding us for our achievements,” said Fauzan.
The three honorees received their awards from Army Chief Gen Tan Sri Datuk Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan at the Army Basic Training Centre (Pusasda) today.
As for Mohd Nor, who serves in the 41st Battalion, Royal Regiment of Artillery (Ceremonial) at the Sungai Buloh Camp and is set to retire in April, he was humbled by the recognition.
“Last November, I was promoted, and this year I received this highest award, Alhamdulillah,” he said.
The ‘Pisau Tentera Darat’ award is a distinction given to TDM personnel who demonstrate acts of bravery and excellence during training or operations.
Army Chief Muhammad Hafizuddeain expressed that the award aims to motivate and celebrate outstanding personnel in service.
“We always provide opportunities and celebrate those who deserve it. This award serves to inspire others to continue doing good and achieve success. Their achievements are extraordinary,” he said. — February 1, 2025