SUKMA: HAMZAN WATCHING HIS DIET WITH AN EYE ON GOLD

By Syamsiah Sahat

IPOH, July 23 (Bernama) -- National silat exponent Muhammad Hamzan Halim is adhering to a strict diet to ensure that he can maintain his grip on gold at the Malaysia Games (SUKMA) Sarawak 2024.

Muhammad Hamzan, who will be representing Perak in the silat olahraga 75-80 kg category, said that in this final phase, he emphasises weight management in addition to focusing on tactics, as dietary mistakes can lead to inconsistent weight.

The gold medallist in the 70-75kg category at SUKMA 2022 said that he only eats one high-protein meal daily to prepare for the games, which will be held from Aug 17 to 24.

"I take rice and boiled eggs along with high-protein dishes to maintain my weight for the category I am contesting in. I have been following this diet for the past two months," the Semanggol-born athlete told Bernama.

Muhammad Hamzan said striking gold this time will be very meaningful to him because this is the last SUKMA edition he is eligible to participate in.

Besides Muhammad Hamzan, the gold medal target has also been set for female silat exponent Didie Shahira Mohd Sani, who won a bronze medal in the previous edition.

Perak silat squad coach Muhammad Fahmizie Fauzi said that Didie Shahira is seen as capable of clinching a gold based on her performance in the three previous games she participated in.

"Our hope this time is in 16 out of 20 categories, relying on nine male and seven female exponents. Our goal is to win two gold medals," he said, adding that Mohd Irfan Eruan is a medal prospect.

He added that besides physical training, the final preparations also focus on spiritual elements to boost the athletes' spirits.

Additionally, tactics to avoid injuries are emphasised by focusing on understanding within the ring and avoiding combat movements.

In the 2022 edition, the Perak silat olahraga squad won one gold, two silver and six bronze medals.

-- BERNAMA