KUCHING: Setbacks have only strengthened Chimang Kenyalang’s resolve.
Rather than dwelling on disappointment at the IFMA School World Championship, the young Sarawak Muay Thai prospect has travelled to Phuket, Thailand, for a month-long training camp as he prepares for September’s National Muay Thai Championship and the IFMA Youth World Championship in Greece.
Training at Chalong Phuket Muay Thai Gym alongside the Sarawak SUKMA squad, Chimang believes immersing himself in the birthplace of Muay Thai will sharpen both his skills and mindset ahead of the biggest competitions of his career.
“I am currently training with the Sarawak Muay Thai SUKMA team under the supervision of my coaches at Muay Thai Kenyalang, Iswandy Bolhassan and Ajan Putra.
“While they prepare the team for SUKMA Selangor, I am simultaneously preparing for the National Muay Thai Championship this September and the IFMA Youth World Championship,” Chimang told Sarawak Tribune when contacted recently.
The one-month camp will expose Chimang to Thailand’s renowned Muay Thai scene, with opportunities to train alongside experienced Thai and international fighters.
He said Phuket was the ideal destination because of its reputation as one of the sport’s leading training hubs.
“Phuket is home to several renowned Muay Thai stadiums, such as Patong Stadium and Bangla Boxing Stadium, which are well respected within Thailand’s Muay Thai circuit.
“I am happy to have the opportunity to compete in these venues and share the ring with experienced Thai and international Nak Muay”, he said.
Following lessons learnt from his previous international outing, Chimang has identified technique as the biggest area he wants to improve.
“After experiencing the setback at the IFMA School World Championship, I am determined to further strengthen my technique, particularly my footwork, kicking and knee techniques.
“I believe my fitness is already at a competitive level, so my main focus is refining my technical skills and overall fight strategy”, he added.
He added that daily sparring against elite fighters would provide valuable experience that is difficult to replicate elsewhere.
“Training at a Muay Thai gym in Thailand will give me the opportunity to spar with high-quality athletes every day.
“This level of training will not only improve my technical abilities but also enhance my confidence and mental preparation, allowing me to perform better against top-level opponents on the international stage”, he said.
The difference in training intensity has already left an impression.
“Back home, I train once a day after school, but in Thailand we train twice a day, which allows me to focus fully on Muay Thai while still keeping up with my studies during my free time.
“The intensity is much higher, with a stronger emphasis on technique, especially clinching, pad work and correcting every small detail”, Chimang added.
Although excited by the challenge, Chimang admitted he also felt nervous after arriving in Phuket on July 6 (Monday).
“Seeing the intensity and the high standard of training made me even more excited to get started.
“At the same time, I was a little nervous because I knew I would be training alongside experienced Thai and international fighters.
“However, I see it as a great opportunity to learn, improve and challenge myself”, he said.
One goal stands above the rest before he returns home.
“I would love to make my professional debut here in Phuket, either at Patong Stadium or Bangla Boxing Stadium.
“It would be a great opportunity to gain valuable experience, build my confidence and hopefully secure my first professional victory”, he added.
Away from the gym, the young fighter admits there is one thing he will miss most during his month away from Sarawak.
“For sure, my family and friends. Besides that, I’ll definitely miss the food and the people back home.
“The first thing I’ll be looking for when I return to Kuching is a bowl of Laksa Sarawak”, he said.
Chimang is in Phuket alongside his brother and teammate Rizz Ezzandy Iswandy, with both fighters hoping to earn the opportunity to compete together at Bangla Boxing Stadium before returning to Malaysia.
