KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia National Silat Federation (Pesaka) believes newly crowned world champion Thamaraj Vasudevan has plenty to offer the national team over the next five years.
Thamaraj defeated Khudoyberdiev Diyorbek of Uzbekistan in the men's open category final at the World Pencak Silat Championships in Abu Dhabi yesterday (Dec 22).
It was a historic moment as the 29-year-old from Sungai Petani is the first-ever Malaysian Indian to win a world title in silat.
Pesaka secretary-general Bibi Aishah Golbal Shah said Thamaraj, who is a relative newcomer to the sport, raised his game substantially to secure gold for Malaysia in Abu Dhabi.
"Thamaraj has only been in the national team for about a year and a half. He previously competed in taekwondo for the Armed Forces before switching to silat," said Bibi today (Dec 23).
"He won the silat national championship title in 2022, after which we called him up to the national team.
"He won the Asian Championship silver medal twice in 2023 and this year.
"We challenged him to raise his game and win the gold at the World Championships, and he did just that and created history."
Bibi believes Thamaraj has a bright future in the sport and can continue to shine in his category over the next few years.
"I believe he can represent the country for at least another five or six years and achieve more victories for the country," added Bibi.
"His open category is for exponents who weigh more than 110 kilogrammes and currently it is tough for others in the category to challenge him.
"He is much more muscular and taller compared to the other fighters in this category."
Unfortunately, the men's open category has not been included for next year's Thailand Sea Games but Pesaka are hoping to push for the weight class' inclusion for the 2027 Malaysia Sea Games.
The national squad enjoyed a successful outing at the World Championships which concluded in Abu Dhabi yesterday.
The senior team claimed six gold, nine silver and four bronze medals in total while the junior team won five gold, four silver and four bronze.
ENDS
KW: Sports, pencak silat, Thamaraj Vasudevan, Bibi Aishah Golbal Shah, World Pencak Silat Championships, Pesaka, Malaysian news