Aiman Kenyalang’s quiet victory at the 2025 Muay Thai National Combat Sports Championship wasn’t about spotlight or status — it was for Sarawak, for discipline, and for those who believed in him.
Grounded, grateful, and gold
In the heart of Bukit Jalil’s Axiata Arena — where gloves met grit and the crowd held its breath — one of the quietest yet most meaningful wins at the 2025 Muay Thai National Combat Sports Championship (Pre-SUKMA), held last July, came from an unassuming teenager from Kuching.
Sixteen-year-old Muhammad Nur Aiman Kamaruddin, better known by his ring name Aiman Kenyalang, wasn’t there to chase the spotlight.
But when he raised his hand in victory after a tense, disciplined final against Johor’s Mohd Danish, the message was clear: hard work, faith, and quiet determination still matter.
It wasn’t the flashiest fight of the night, nor the most talked-about. But to those who understood what it meant — to Aiman, his coaches, his family, and his state — it was a golden moment.
“I’m proud to carry Sarawak’s name,” Aiman said simply.
For him, the win wasn’t just about a medal. It was about honouring the small but growing Muay Thai community in his home state — and showing that dedication behind the scenes could lead to something meaningful in the ring.
A fighter after school
Aiman is a Form Four student at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Demak Baru. His routine, like many teens, revolves around school — but unlike most, his evenings are spent at the gym, quietly sharpening his form, endurance, and mental resilience.
He trains with Kelab Muaythai Kenyalang, a local club known for shaping disciplined young fighters. Aiman joined the club when he was just 13 years old.
At the time, it was out of curiosity. It looked cool, and he wanted to give it a try. But something clicked — and what started as an after-school activity slowly turned into a serious pursuit.
“Training is only part of it. You also need to watch your sleep, food, and attitude — even how you speak. Muay Thai teaches you to be disciplined,” he said.
Aiman doesn’t just train to fight. He also learns to keep his ego in check, to treat others with respect, and to stay rooted in his faith.
On most days, after school and training, he goes home, helps with chores, and spends time with his family. And no matter how packed his day gets, one thing remains non-negotiable.
“Never skip your prayers. That’s my real secret to success,” he shared.
A web of support
Every punch, every block, and every knee Aiman throws in the ring is backed by hours of quiet, consistent guidance from a close-knit team.
He trains under coach Goday Hamzah, head of Kelab Muaythai Kenyalang, and credits a strong support network for helping him grow — not just as a fighter, but as a person.
“I’m truly grateful for the strong support I’ve received along the way — from the Sarawak Muay Thai Association to national coaches like Azan Putra Nazri (Ajan Putra) and Zulkiplie Abdul Rahman.
“I’ve also learnt a lot from coach Ismail Abdul Rahim of Kelab Muaythai Kilas Petra Jaya. I’m thankful to all the other coaches who’ve trained me, as well as my family and friends who have stood by me,” he said.
Coach Johani Roslan, in particular, introduced Aiman to the Wai Khru — a traditional pre-fight ritual that honours one’s teachers, family, and heritage. While some see it as merely ceremonial, Aiman takes it to heart.
“Wai Khru isn’t just a tradition. It’s about respect. It reminds us where we come from and who we carry with us into the ring,” he added.
But above all, Aiman credits his mother’s unwavering support and prayers as the backbone of his journey.
“A mother’s prayers — there’s nothing like them. Every time I step into the ring, I know she’s praying for me,” he said, offering a quiet smile.
That quiet strength carried him through the final stretch. In the weeks leading up to the national tournament, Aiman fine-tuned every aspect of his routine.
Training intensified — morning jogs, strength drills, shadow sparring, pad work, and clinching. He monitored his weight, adjusted his meals, and avoided distractions.
“There were stronger and more experienced fighters from other states. I just told myself to focus. Don’t look left or right — just go forward,” he said.
The final match was challenging, but Aiman stayed calm, adjusted his tactics mid-fight, and relied on the preparation that had brought him this far.
“When you’re in the ring, you only have seconds to think. You need to trust your body and your mind. The rest comes from Allah,” he added.
Sarawak’s steady rise in the ring
Sarawak didn’t just participate in the 2025 Muay Thai National Combat Sports Championship — they made an impact.
Under KSSC Sarawak, the state bagged nine gold, five silver, and 10 bronze medals, finishing second overall and showing that the groundwork laid over the years is beginning to pay off.
Aiman’s gold medal wasn’t an isolated win. It was part of a wider pattern — a steady surge of young talent from Sarawak finding their voice through sport.
Even beyond the state, fighters like Wassof Rumijam set a powerful example through their grit and humility. Aiman looks up to him, not with envy, but with quiet admiration.
“I really respect Wassof. He shows that even young people can go far. It’s not about fame — it’s about discipline,” he said.
This growing web of fighters, coaches, and supporters is slowly shaping Sarawak into a force to be reckoned with — especially in Kuching, where young athletes are being raised not just to win, but to grow.
Aiman isn’t rushing into fame or dreaming of shortcuts. He trains with whatever gear is available. Outside the ring, he’s just another Form Four student — juggling classes, preparing for exams, and helping out at home.
No fanfare. No hype. Just quiet effort and consistency.
While many teenagers might dream of viral success, Aiman is taking the long road — and it’s beginning to bear fruit.
He hopes to one day compete on international stages like the IFMA World Championships or the SEA Games — not to chase medals, but to test his limits and make Sarawak proud.
“I know it won’t be easy, but I’m willing to work for it,” he said.
More than anything, he wants others — especially Sarawakian youth — to see that Muay Thai isn’t just about fighting. It can be a way to build self-discipline, focus, and inner strength.
“If you love it, keep going. Don’t be distracted by what others say. Don’t fight just to look cool — fight with heart, fight with purpose,” he noted.
One day, Aiman hopes to return the favour — to coach and guide the next generation, just as his mentors did for him.
He didn’t just fight for himself — he fought to prove that Sarawak’s rising stars still have more to show on the national stage.
