Muay thai: Mikail delivers the gold for Sarawak 

BINTULU: Muhammad Mikail Ghazali defeated Melaka’s Muhammad Zulfakar Othman 24-14 against for the gold in the final of the 51-54 kg male muay thai category at the Malaysia Games (SUKMA).

Popularly known as Miki, and only 16 years of age, he made a strong start, securing a commanding 10-4 lead over his opponent in the first round. 

In the second round, he took a more strategic approach, playing a waiting game and then delivering precise kicks.

He scored another five points, while his opponent also earned extra five points, resulting in a cumulative score of 15-9.

In the final round, Muhammad Zulfakar tried to gain the upper hand by pushing Miki to the corner.

However, Miki’s resilience shone through as he added another nine points to his tally, while Zulfakar could only add five more points. 

As the match neared its end, Miki continued his aggressive performance, fully aware of his lead and buoyed by the enthusiastic support of the local crowd.

The atmosphere was immense with the sound of jubilant cheers and as the crowd erupted in unison, their voices ringing out with fervent cries of ‘Sarawak Sarawak Sarawak’.

The chant echoed through the venue here in Naim Paragon Street Mall on Tuesday (Aug 20), which amplified the intensity of the moment and displayed the collective pride and enthusiasm of Sarawakians.

Despite the Melaka fighter’s efforts, Miki’s skill proved too much. 

Present at the match was Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister for Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development, who watched the fight with keen interest and was all smiles at the end of the fight.