KUALA LUMPUR: National pencak silat exponent Thamaraj Vasudevan struggled to explain his emotions after securing a historic victory at the World Pencak Silat Championships in Abu Dhabi yesterday (Dec 22).
Thamaraj said he was determined to land the gold for Malaysia and repay the faith shown in him by his supporters, including family and friends.
"I am not able to describe how happy I am after winning the final against the exponent from Uzbekistan," said Thamaraj when contacted in Abu Dhabi today (Dec 23).
"It was definitely my intent to win the gold medal at the World Championships with the support of my family, friends and coaches.
"They really helped me a lot and allowed me to achieve what I have today."
Thammaraj, who is a relative newcomer to the sport, also expressed his gratitude to the Malaysia National Silat Federation (Pesaka) as well as the National Sports Council and the National Sports Institute.
The 29-year-old defeated Khudoyberdiev Diyorbek of Uzbekistan in the men's open category two final (over-110kg) at the WorldChampionships.
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.
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.
The gold medals were won by Nor Farah Mazlan (women's category A), Siti Shazwana Ajak (women's category D), Abdul Latif Maxzakir (men's category H), Danial Azray-Danial Azrol (men's seni ganda), Ahmad Fauzan (men's solo creative) and Thamaraj.
The silver medals were won by Khairi Adib Azhar (men's category A), Firdaus Latib (men's open category one), Nor Ainum Mokhtar (women's category E), Ummi Mashitah (women's category C, Nurshafiqah Norwan (women's category G),Nur Syafiqah Hamzah (women's seni tunggal), Nur Shahida Sharim-Nur Sarafana Hikma Jailani (women's seni ganda), Siti Nur Khairunnisa Hail-Nurhaizatul Farisha-Asma Nazri (women's seni regu) and Nur Inatha Khairuniyah (women's solo creative).
The bronze medals were won by Hazim Ahmad (men's category C), Nur Nabilla Hartono (women's category H), Khairul Shaddad Ardi (men's seni tunggal) and Muhammad Syafiq-Mohd Juned-Sazzlan Yuga (men's seni regu).
The national junior team also did well in Abu Dhabi, winning five gold, four silver and four bronze.