KUCHING: Sarawak are banking on a balanced mix of youth and experience as they finalise a 12-strong Muaythai squad aiming to defend their double-gold achievement at the 2026 Malaysia Games (SUKMA) in Selangor.
The squad comprises eight male and four female athletes.
“We have finalised the list of 12 athletes who will compete at the upcoming SUKMA in Selangor. All of them are a mix of experienced and new faces,” said Sarawak State Muaythai Association (PMNS) President, Jumaat Ibrahim, to Sarawak Tribune recently.
According to Jumaat, two athletes featured in the Sarawak SUKMA 2024 campaign – Azhad Haziq Syafaat Abdul Khalid (71kg), who won silver in the men’s 71kg category, and Dayangku Hana Humaira Awangku Zallaluddin (48kg), who reached the quarter-finals.
The remaining ten athletes are Muhammad Hakim Abdullah (48kg), Muhammad Syarul Fareez Jafar (51kg), Razie Rafizzie Razali (54kg), Mohamad Fitri Haqiem Abdullah Mohamad Nasir (57kg), Muhammad Nur Aiman Kamaruddin (60kg), Mohamad Fitri Mohammad (63.5kg), Malvince Chris Eddie Kuwing (67kg), Emylia Lynn Ghazali Zulfikar (45kg), Andieva Scholastica Tan (54kg) and Hani Anissa Ismail (57kg).
Jumaat expressed confidence that the selected athletes are capable of springing surprises at the upcoming Games, although he acknowledged it remains difficult to gauge the strength of other state contingents at this stage.
However, he stressed that with proper preparation currently underway, Sarawak still have a strong chance of success.
He added that the squad will be aiming to defend the two gold medals won in the previous edition.
Sarawak were among the standout performers at the last SUKMA, finishing with a strong medal haul that included two gold medals.
“This edition, however, will not feature the wai kru and muay koran events, which will have an impact on medal prospects,” Jumaat said.
“Nevertheless, we remain confident in the ability of our athletes.”
The SUKMA Selangor 2026 will be held over ten days from August 15 to 24.
