KUALA LUMPUR: National pencak silat exponent Fauzan Abdul Hadi did not take long to make his mark at the international level.
Fauzan made his international debut at the World Championships in Abu Dhabi last week and won gold in the men's solo creative category, exceeding expectations placed on him.
The Kedahan said competing in Abu Dhabi was an eye opening experience.
"Going overseas to compete was a completely new experience for me. It was quite intimidating," said Fauzan yesterday.
"I was going up against exponents who have vast experience at the world level.
"I just tried my best to focus on what I had been training on and implemented all the techniques my coaches had taught me to help me remain calm.
"I gave it my best shot in the final and left the rest to god. Alhamdulillah, I was able to win the gold which I had been dreaming of.
"Winning gold has definitely given me extra motivation to succeed. I hope to compete in the Sea Games next and win gold there as well."
Fauzan, 32, has only been in the national team for a year.
He previously trained and competed for the Armed Forces alongside fellow military police corporal Thamaraj Vasudevan.
Fauzan and Thamaraj are both from Sungai Petani.
"Thamaraj was called up to the national team a year earlier than myself.
"Thamaraj used to spar with our (Armed Forces) seniors a lot. He is very soft spoken and very respectful, he is only aggressive when he competes," added Fauzan.
Thamaraj claimed the men's open category two gold at the World Championships. It was a historic moment as no Malaysian Indian had ever won a silat world title before.