KUCHING: Sarawak’s Mohd Abdul Latif Maxzakir, has once again made his mark on the international stage, clinching a gold medal at the prestigious 20th World Pencak Silat Championship in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) from Dec 18 to Dec 22.
This remarkable achievement is not just a personal triumph for the 25-year old from Kuching, but a significant milestone in his career.
It further solidifies his place among the elite and serves as a powerful reminder of his potential to continue making valuable contributions for Malaysia, particularly in the upcoming 2025 SEA Games in Thailand.
His triumph also sets the stage for an exciting future, with the 2025 World Pencak Silat Championship in Belgium on the horizon, with exact dates to be confirmed.
“I’m overjoyed to bring home a gold medal for the country and for Sarawak, my beloved state.
“This victory is not just about personal glory, it’s about securing Malaysia’s place at the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand,” Abdul Latif said with pride at a press conference after his arrival at Kuching International Airport last night (Dec 26).
The 25-year-old silat athlete credited his success to relentless dedication and the rigorous training that has shaped him into a formidable force in the sport.
Reflecting on the intensity of the competition, particularly in the final, Abdul Latif revealed how he kept his composure under pressure, relying on his experience to seal the deal.
This gold medal marks his second of the year, following his gold medal victory at the 2024 Uzbekistan Open Pencak Silat Championship.
A familiar face in the Malaysian silat scene, Abdul Latif has represented Sarawak at the Malaysia Games (SUKMA) on two occasions, earning silver in 2018 and gold in 2022.
His national debut came in 2022 at the Indonesia Open Pencak Silat Championship, where he claimed a bronze medal.
He also contributed a silver medal to the country at the 6th Pencak Silat Asian Championship in 2022, followed by a bronze at the 7th Pencak Silat Asian Championship in 2023.
In addition, he secured gold at the 2023 Pencak Silat Premier Championship in Sarawak and recently earned a silver at the 2024 Indonesia Open Pencak Silat Championship.
As Abdul Latif continues to shine on the global stage, his passion for the sport and commitment to representing Malaysia remain unwavering.
Also present to greet the champion on his return were acting permanent secretary of the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development Dolhadi Marzuki; chief executive officer of the Sarawak Sports Corporation Awang Putrayusrie Awang Redzuan; and members of the Rumpun Silat Sarawak executive committee.
