Thamaraj creates history with world silat gold medal

PETALING JAYA: V Thamaraj says he is overjoyed after creating history as the first Malaysian Indian to become a world champion in silat.

Thamaraj, 29, defeated Uzbekistan’s Khudoyberdiev Diyobek in the final of the men’s open category 2 final (over-110kg) at the 20th World Silat Championship in the United Arab Emirates yesterday.

“I can’t describe the happiness I felt when I won the final against the athlete from Uzbekistan,” said Thamaraj, reported Berita Harian.

“I’ve always dreamed of winning a gold medal, and I achieved it with the help and support of my family, the Malaysia National Silat Federation (Pesaka), the National Sports Council and the National Sports Institute.

“I would like to thank Pesaka, especially its president, Megat Zulkarnain Omardin, and secretary-general, Bibi Aishah Golbal Shah, and the coaching team for helping me achieve this success.”

Bibi said Thamaraj only joined the national silat team about a year and a half ago.

She said he previously competed in taekwondo for the armed forces before switching to silat.

“After Thamaraj won the national championship in 2022, we invited him to join the national team. He also won two silver medals at the Asian Championships in 2023 and this year,” she said.

“We challenged him to improve on his performance and win gold at the world championship, and he has succeeded.”