KUALA LUMPUR: Thamaraj Vasudevan's victory at the World Pencak Silat Championship in Abu Dhabi is not just a personal achievement but a trailblazing milestone for Malaysia.
The 29-year-old athlete made history by becoming the first Malaysian Indian to claim a world title in silat, a feat that has reverberated throughout the nation.
In an exclusive interview with NST, Thamaraj reflected on his incredible journey, describing the gold medal as the culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice, and unwavering belief.
"Winning this gold just a year and a half after my first international competition feels surreal," he said. "This is more than a victory; it's a dream come true."
His win against Uzbekistan's Khudoyberdiev Diyorbek in the men's open category (over 110kg) on Sunday has placed him at the pinnacle of the martial arts world.
But for Thamaraj, it is also a moment of pride for Malaysia as a whole, particularly the Indian community.
"This gold is not just for me, it's for all Malaysians, especially for the Indian community," he said, his voice filled with emotion.
Indians are a minority group, constituting seven percent of Malaysia's 34 million population.
Thamaraj's achievement is groundbreaking not only for his own career but for the history of silat in Malaysia. As the first Malaysian Indian to secure the world title in this predominantly Malay-dominated sport, his victory breaks barriers and opens new possibilities for future generations.
"This is my fifth international competition, but it's my first gold for Malaysia. I've faced setbacks in finals before, but with the relentless support of my coaches, I was able to push through and claim victory," Thamaraj explained.
Reflecting on the tough road to success, Thamaraj acknowledged the challenges he faced from the very beginning.
"When I first joined the team, the training was incredibly intense—physically and mentally," he said. "I want to thank Pesaka, MSN, ISN, and my coaches—Cikgu Siti Rahmah, Cikgu Fauzi, and Cikgu Mieza. Their faith in me was crucial."
A late entrant to the world of silat, Thamaraj's journey began in 2017 when he transitioned from taekwondo to join the army.
"Silat is a martial art that demands everything from you—kicking, punching, takedowns. It's mentally and physically challenging, and that's what drew me to it," he said.
Training six to eight hours a day, Thamaraj embraced sports science as a key part of his preparation. With guidance from ISN's team, he learned to integrate nutrition, recovery, and mental conditioning into his routine.
"It wasn't just about physical strength," he said.
"The support from my coaches, combined with their belief in me, made all the difference."
The World Championship in Abu Dhabi was an intense experience, with competitors from 55 countries battling it out across six arenas.
"The event was high-pressure, but I had a strong support system—my family, teammates, and mentors. That made all the difference," Thamaraj said.
"My family, my teammates from Kelab Silat Angkatan Tentera, and 9 Komp Kor Polis Tentera Diraja were my strongest supporters," he added.
"MSN played a vital role, providing the training camps and resources we needed, while Pesaka gave me the platform to represent Malaysia. I trusted the process, and it paid off."
Before boarding his flight back to Malaysia, Thamaraj spoke of the responsibility he feels in inspiring others, particularly young Malaysians of Indian descent, to pursue silat.
"Silat is an integral part of Malaysia's cultural heritage, and it's a sport open to everyone. I want to see more Indian youths take up silat. It teaches discipline and physical fitness, and that's invaluable for life," he said.
Thamaraj's victory is already sending ripples of inspiration through Malaysia, especially within the Indian community.
"Balance sports and studies, and stay active. Sports build physical and mental strength, which are crucial for success in life. Stay
focused, work hard, and always believe in yourself," he said.
While this gold medal marks a historic achievement, Thamaraj is clear that this is just the beginning. "This is only the start," he said.
"We're waiting for our next assignment from Pesaka and MSN. I'll work closely with my coaches to ensure I keep improving and raising the bar."
Thamaraj and the national squad concluded their campaign in Abu Dhabi and returned to Malaysia this morning, ready to continue their pursuit of excellence in the sport they love.
The senior team won six golds, nine silvers, and four bronzes.