The Malaysian national grappling team delivered a historic performance at the Senior, U20, U17 & U15 Grappling Asian & Oceania Championships, which concluded in Da Nang, Vietnam.

Proving their prowess on the continental stage, Malaysia emerged as the Overall U15 Team Champion. The nation’s success was further bolstered by the senior contingent, who secured an impressive third place in the Overall Senior Team Rankings, showcasing the depth of talent within the national setup.

Gold Rush Led by Youth and Experience

The Malaysian delegation captured a total of four gold medals across the divisions. In the U15 categories, Zara Aaliya Mohamad Azlan dominated the Women’s U15 – 80 kg division, while Areis Israfael Farissadikin secured gold in the Men’s U15 – 59 kg class. Kenzo Sam added to the youth gold tally with a top finish in the Men’s U15 – 38 kg category.

In the Senior division, Bless Khoon Yin Yeap led the charge by capturing gold in the Women’s Senior – 58 kg category, solidifying her status as one of the region’s elite grapplers.

A Haul of Silver and Bronze

Malaysia’s podium success extended across all age groups, with seven athletes claiming silver medals and four securing bronze.

The U17 and U15 divisions saw strong silver-medal performances from Zenya Sam (Men’s U17 – 63 kg), Muhammad Ziyadudeen Mohamed Meera (Men’s U17 – 54 kg), Alison Mae Nicolson (Women’s U15 – 57 kg), Syed Hussein Almahdaly (Men’s U15 – 47 kg), and Maxton James Hedger (Men’s U15 – 38 kg). In the Senior ranks, Welton Wei (Men’s Senior – 77 kg) and Tan J Han (Men’s Senior – 66 kg) both fought their way to impressive second-place finishes.

The bronze medalists included Zhen Hoong Tan (Men’s U17 – 69 kg), Chia Ho Yee (Men’s Senior – 71 kg), Mohammad Parsa Behrang Parhizkar (Men’s U15 – 47 kg), and Lilyanne Hedger (Women’s U15 – 57 kg), completing a highly successful campaign for the Southeast Asian nation.

Stepping Stone to the 2027 SEA Games

The dominant display in Da Nang signals a bright future for the sport in Malaysia. With the U15 team leading the continent and the senior team matching strides with the region’s best, this championship serves as an ideal developmental milestone as the squad begins its long-term preparation and “Road to the 2027 SEA Games”.

The full list of Malaysian medallists at the Senior, U20, U17 & U15 Grappling Asian & Oceania Championships:

🥇 Zara Aaliya Mohamad Azlan – U15 M GP – 80 kg

🥇 Areis Israfael Farissadikin – U15 M GP – 59 kg

🥇 Bless Khoon Yin Yeap – Seniors W GP – 58 kg

🥇 Kenzo Sam – U15 M GP – 38 kg

🥈 Zenya Sam – U17 M GP – 63 kg

🥈 Muhammad Ziyadudeen Mohamed Meera – U17 M GP – 54 kg

🥈 Alison Mae Nicolson – U15 W GP – 57 kg

🥈 Syed Hussein Almahdaly – U15 M GP – 47 kg

🥈 Welton Wei – Seniors M GP – 77 kg

🥈 Tan J Han– Seniors M GP – 66 kg

🥈 Maxton James Hedger – U15 M GP – 38 kg

🥉 Zhen Hoong Tan – U17 M GP – 69 kg

🥉 Chia Ho Yee– Seniors M GP – 71 kg

🥉 Mohammad Parsa Behrang Parhizkar – U15 M GP – 47 kg

🥉 Lilyanne Hedger – U15 W GP – 57 kg