Thamaraj Vasudevan has etched his name in history as the first Malaysian Indian to secure a gold medal at the World Pencak Silat Championships. The historic win took place on Sunday at the National Art Centre in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Competing in the Putera free category, Thamaraj showcased exceptional skill and determination, defeating Uzbekistan’s Khudoyberdiev Diyorbek in the final bout. His victory marks a significant milestone not just for him but also for Malaysian silat, highlighting the diversity and talent within the nation’s martial arts community.
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| photo credit: stadiumastro.com |
The Malaysian Pencak Silat Federation (PESAKA) also announced an impressive overall performance by the national team, which brought home six gold, nine silver, and four bronze medals from the championship.
Thamaraj’s achievement has been celebrated as an inspiration for aspiring athletes in Malaysia, demonstrating that dedication and hard work can lead to remarkable accomplishments on the world stage.