KUCHING: Teen silat exponent, Muhammad Raqib Darwisy, made a memorable international debut by clinching Malaysia’s first medal, a bronze, at the 2025 Asian Youth Games (AYG) in Sakhir, Bahrain recently.
The 16-year-old impressed in the Putera 59-63kg category, advancing to the semi-finals after a dominant 40-13 win over the Philippines’ Eluna Jelou to secure Malaysia’s spot on the medal tally.
His campaign ended in the last four after a technical disqualification against Uzbekistan’s Ruziboev Nurislom, who went on to win gold. Both losing semi-finalists received bronze medals.
In the women’s 51-55kg category, Noor Wafadina Mohd Rasidi put up a spirited fight but was edged out in the quarter-finals by Uzbekistan’s Feruza Bozorova.
Malaysia’s chef-de-mission, Farah Ann Abdul Hadi, praised both athletes for their determination and composure, saying they showed tremendous promise on debut.
“I am very proud of them both for fighting until the end and leaving it all on the field. Such a bright future for both of them,” she said in a recent Facebook post.
The bronze marks a strong start for Malaysia as the Games continue until October 31 at Exhibition World Bahrain.
Malaysia fielded over 172 athletes to compete in the continental multi-sport event with over 17 confirmed entries.
This year’s edition also marks silat’s first debut as an official medal event in the Games.
