The Penang judo team, fresh from their impressive performance at the Malaysian Games (Sukma) in Sarawak last month, is now setting its sights on grooming new talents to sustain their championship legacy.
Having clinched the overall title for the third consecutive time, the Penang judokas are determined to build on their success.
At Sukma 2024, the team secured six gold, three silver, and four bronze bronzes, a testament to their unwavering spirit and determination. Penang had also emerged as overall champions during the previous Sukma editions in Ipoh (2018) and Kuala Lumpur (2022).
In an interview with Buletin Mutiara, coach Md Nashriq Md Nasir praised his team’s accomplishments but emphasised the need to prepare for the future.
“They trained exceptionally well before the Games, especially after the last Sukma edition in Kuala Lumpur two years ago. They knew what they wanted to achieve and delivered outstanding performances. Now, our focus shifts towards training new judo talents to continue this success,” Md Nashriq said.
He explained that the current team members, having participated in multiple Sukma editions, will be over 21 by the next event in Selangor in 2026. Therefore, the hunt for new talent is essential.
“It’s a long journey, and a challenging one, but I have faith that our future judokas will maintain Penang’s excellent performance for years to come,” he added at his training centre at Seri Tanjong Pinang.
One standout performer, Amir Daniel Abdul Majeed, secured a gold medal in the Under 81kg category. Now, after competing in his last Sukma, he has his eyes set on an even bigger stage — the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
“I aim to be the first Malaysian judoka to represent the country at the Olympics. It’s not an easy task, but I believe in my ability to progress. I’ll participate in more international tournaments to qualify and continue to train hard in endurance and strength,” Amir Daniel said.
The 21-year-old has participated in two previous Sukma editions, and while he was tagged as a favourite, he remains humble about the learning journey ahead.
Other team members, such as 14-year-old Qaleeda Izz’dika Mohd Rosidi and 21-year-old Lim Xin Jie, excelled in the girls’ Ju No Kata category, winning gold medals. Both judokas credited their success to mutual encouragement and rigorous training.
Qaleeda, the squad’s youngest member, also expressed gratitude towards her parents for their unwavering support.
“They have been the pillar of my success and I hope to achieve more in the future,” said Qaleeda, a student at SMJK (C) Union who speaks fluent Mandarin.
Xin Jie was proud to win a gold medal in honour of her brother, Yi Zheng, a judo star in his own right.
“ I will try my best and avoid overthinking,” Xin Jie said.
In the boys’ Ju No Kata category, Ng Yi Heng, 20, and Yeap Zhengwei Frederic, 20, brought home gold.
Yi Heng, who previously won silver in the last Sukma, was overjoyed with his improvement this time around.
“This is my second time participating in Sukma, and I am thrilled to have advanced further,” said Yi Heng.
In the Nage No Kata category, 18-year-olds Ng Yi Xuan and Wong Yi Xuan triumphed, displaying impressive coordination and focus to secure the top spot in their respective events.
Ng Yi Xuan shared that his training session was mainly focused on endurance and strength and he also took a look at his opponents’ movements before the Games.
For Allysa Gan Jia Yi, 20, the road to gold in the girls’ Under 52kg category was filled with challenges.
Having missed the 2022 Sukma due to a dislocated shoulder, Allysa faced anxiety and uncertainty as she recovered. However, her persistence paid off, and she triumphed in what was both her first and last Sukma due to age restrictions.
“This gold medal means everything to me after the struggles of injury and rehabilitation. I can now focus on my studies, but judo will always be part of my life,” Allysa said with pride.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat