BATTLE: Haikal and Aiman in action during the tournament yesterday.
KUCHING: Mohd Aiman Haiqal was new to Muay thai. But becoming under 12 runner-up in last year’s Borneo Championship was enough for him to see exciting years ahead in the sport.
Ten-year-old Aiman from SS Fighters Muay Thai club was lured to the sport after exposure to television and print media.
He did not meet any major hurdle in convincing her mother, Mariana Ibrahim, to allow him to take up the sport seriously.
“I take up muay thai because the sport allows me to challenge myself and see how far I can go against the opponent. Besides, martial arts have been one of my main passions,” said Aiman who trains daily under coach Chim Wiloetram.
“Muay thai also helps to develop my self confidence and it is the best way for combat in a controlled situation,” he added.
Aiman met thesundaypost at the ATM Open Day Muay Thai Tournament held at the Kuching Integrated Recreational Centre (KIRC) yesterday.
Mariana, who accompanied Aiman yesterday, said it did not take long for Aiman to be serious in the sport.
“It was his own initiative to join the club and he soon evolved into a capable fighter in his class. However, there were times that I was worried that he might get hurt but with all the right protective gear everything went well,” she revealed.
Aiman will fly to Kuala Lumpur next week for the ‘Naga Api’ road tour.
“He has expressed his wish to represent Sarawak in any national-level tournament and exposure in local tournaments will surely build up his confidence and skills,” she added.
Passion for martial arts also drove 12-year-old Muhd Haikal Zaidie of Muay Thai Kenyalang to take up the sport. “Since joining Muay Thai Kenyalang two years ago, my skills and technique have evolved and I am keen to represent the state when the time comes,” said Haikal.
His coach Johari Ali Othman said Haikal was a fast learner and has shown great personal development.
“He has the potential to be a lethal fighter and I believe he will progress further with exposure to tournaments,” he added.
The tournament yesterday was jointly organised by the Youth and Sports Department and the Kuching Muay Thai Association.
A total of 44 participants from various muay thai clubs participated in the one-day event.