SHAH ALAM, Dec 24 — The state government’s support through Yayasan Menteri Besar Selangor (Incorporated), or MBI, has been a boon for national boxing and badminton athletes to realise their world championship dreams and to make Malaysia proud on the global stage.
WBC Silver Asia professional boxing champion Aiman Hisyam Abu Bakar said the aid and support he received greatly encouraged him in terms of confidence and physical and mental preparations, especially ahead of a major tournament in March.
“The state government’s support has encouraged me to keep going. My aim is clear: to become world champion and make history for Malaysia,” he said.
He added that his latest achievement was winning the WBC in the Philippines in August 2023, which was the starting point of him chasing more glorious wins in the world professional boxing arena, including a target to compete in iconic rings like Las Vegas.
“My focus is now on consistent, intensive training so my performance is at its best ahead of the next challenge.
“Selangor is where I was born and raised. This support has given me the strength to go further,” said the Subang-born athlete.
Meanwhile, athletes from Verge Badminton Club voiced the same commitment, and called the state government’s support an important catalyst to realise their target of winning world championships.
This commitment was evident in achievements by the social club’s two main players — Mohd Ashraf Danial Md Zakaria and Mohd Ariffin Nazri Md Zakaria — who are ranked world No.92 by the Badminton World Federation (BWF), and have clinched three podium finishes out of the four international championships they joined.
“This is an important motivation for our players to continue being consistent, improve their world rankings, and enter world championships to bring Selangor and Malaysia’s names even further,” said club president Helmy Kamarudin.
He expressed his gratitude to Yayasan MBI for its moral support and commitment shown to players who have made Malaysia and Selangor proud on the global stage.
“With the aid given, we will update our training programmes, championship participation, and performance support to ensure better world ranking improvements,” said Helmy.
Yayasan MBI yesterday channelled wakalah zakat worth RM21,000 in education and medical aid to 11 recipients including higher learning students and athletes.
Aid was also given to athletes who performed well at the state and national levels.
