Kota Kinabalu: Newly crowned world champion Yan Jia Chi, and silver medalists Derora Dane Daniel and Myra Arina, are representing Malaysia in Muay Thai at the World Combat Games in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia at the King Saud University Arena and Sports Hall.
The three athletes accompanied by coach Mardiana Mohd Maulana left for Riyadh on Thursday.
They are among the five members in the national team with the other two athletes from Peninsula.
Yan who will be taking part in the female division for wai kru, was the gold medal winner in the under-23 IFMA World Cup and IFMA Senior World Championship this year.
Derora and Myra competed in the mai muay female duo category and finished as runners-up in both competitions.
Sabah Muaythai Association President Hj Nazri Abd Razak, hopes the state athletes will win at least a gold medal for the country.
“It is going to be tough to set a target as the participants are selected based on merits at the IFMA World Championship.
“The last time Malaysia took part in the three-day competition was in 2013.
“I believe our athletes have sufficient training and preparation for the competition and I hope they will give their best to return with a gold medal and make the state and country proud,” he said.
The World Combat Games is an international multi-sport festival featuring 16 combat sports and martial arts competitions, sports demonstrations, and educational conferences hosted by leading martial arts experts.
The 11-day event started on October 20 includes Aikido, armwrestling, boxing, fencing, Judo, Ju-jitsu, Karate, Kendo, kickboxing, Muay Thai, Sambo, Savate, Sumo, Taekwondo, wrestling, and Wushu.
