LABUAN: Labuan’s sporting scene has reached new heights as two senior Silat athletes clinched medals at the 20th World Pencak Silat Championship and 5th Junior World Pencak Silat Championship in Abu Dhabi.
President of the National Silat Association’s (PESAKA) Labuan chapter, Mohd Khairul Abdul Ghani, said the achievement underscored the island’s growing influence in the international sports arena.
He said Siti Shazwana Ajak (pic), 32, delivered a stellar performance, earning a gold medal, while Nur Nabila Hartono, 24, added to the celebrations with a bronze.
“Their victories carry significant meaning not only for Malaysia but also for the people of Labuan, a burgeoning hub of sporting excellence.
“These wins put Labuan firmly on the international Silat map…for many years, our athletes have contributed to the national sports achievements in Silat, participating and excelling in numerous national and international championships,” he said to Bernama yesterday.
Mohd Khairul also highlighted the critical role of Labuan’s sporting talent in shaping the nation’s Silat success.
“Our local Silat professional, Hamidah Mulok, serves as the national Silat coach. This demonstrates that, despite being a small island, Labuan continues to make a significant impact on the national sports scene,” he added.
Mohd Khairul said Siti Shazwana had been practicing Silat since 2011 and joined the national squad in 2017.
He said over the years, she had achieved remarkable success, including winning gold medals at the Asian Pencak Silat Championship 2022, the Central Asian Pencak Silat Championship 2022, and the SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur 2027. She also secured a silver medal at the 2020 World Silat Championship and at the SEA Games in Cambodia 2023 and Hanoi 2022. – BERNAMA
