AMPUTEE MOHD SHAHDAM AIMING FOR MUAY THAI GOLD AT SUKMA 2024

By Siti Aisyah Zulkarnai

GEORGE TOWN, July 21 (Bernama) -- Being an amputee is not a barrier for Penang Muay Thai athlete, Mohd Shahdam Abdul Aziz, who aims to win a gold medal at the Malaysia Games (SUKMA) 2024 in Sarawak next month.

In the previous edition in Perak, the 20-year-old, who lost his left wrist in a sugar cane machine accident during childhood, won a silver medal after losing to compatriot and world champion Mohd Rifdean Masdor in the 45-48 kilogrammes (kg) category final.

"I don't think the disability (being an amputee) is a hindrance because I have a passion for it (the sport). The preparation this time is very good and the training is sufficient. Previously, I won a silver medal, so this time, I feel 100 percent confident in myself. It's just about winning the gold now,” Mohd Shahdam told Bernama here.

Mohd Shahdam, who works part-time as a food delivery rider, said the experience of competing in the finals of the World Youth Championship in Bangkok against a Belarusian boxer has been the best preparation for competing at SUKMA.

For the women's category, Nur Afrina Mohd Firaheez is also eager to contribute a medal for the Penang contingent in her debut at the 21st SUKMA.

“For this SUKMA, with my achievements, I am targeting a silver medal. If I am fortunate, a gold, but even getting a medal would be good.

"I have also participated in several competitions like the national championships and international championships in Thailand. So with this preparation, I feel ready,” said the student of Sekolah Menengah Al-Ikram, Tasek Gelugor.

Meanwhile, Penang Muay Thai squad head coach Abdul Basri Mohd Bukhori, 38, said the athletes' performance is currently at the best level, with a more organised programme compared to the preparation for the previous SUKMA edition.

“I am very confident and excited because the athletes are showing good performance, commitment, and discipline. Their techniques have also improved, and our results in several tournaments have been encouraging, so this time we will fight to the fullest,” he said.

The Penang Muay Thai squad are targeting one gold and one silver, along with two bronze medals, featuring 17 athletes in all categories, comprising nine male and seven female categories in the 21st SUKMA.

For the record, the Penang Muay Thai team brought home one silver and one bronze medal in the last edition.

-- BERNAMA