Huge support: Mikail Ghazali has the entire state of Sarawak behind his back as he strives for the gold medal in muay thai.
EXPECTATIONS are high on up-and-coming fighter Mikail Ghazali as he seeks to follow in his brother Johan Ghazali’s footsteps.
Mikail, or more commonly known as Miki, has the entire state of Sarawak behind his back as he strives for the gold medal in muay thai at the Malaysia Games (Sukma).
Sarawakians are expecting the 15-year-old fighter to clinch gold in the event, just as his older brother Johan, who now competes in the ONE Championship.
Johan punched his way to a gold at the previous Sukma edition in Kuala Lumpur in 2022.
Even his oldest brother, Elias Ghazali, also won a gold medal in 2022, which makes Mikail’s campaign a high-expectation run.
Mikail booked his spot in the semi-finals of the boy’s 51-54kg category after defeating Selangor’s Norhidam Norhisham in the quarter-finals on Friday, and he has set his sights on defending his brother’s gold medal.
He made waves in the previous round when he took only less than three minutes to win against Johor’s Ahmad Akid Mohd Nazrul Hisyam 17-2.
It was all strategy for Mikail, as his well-executed plan worked out brilliantly, which was to tire out his opponent before sending out powerful punches.
“I wanted to tire him out, once I saw that he was slowing down, I went in and continued to deliver my punches,” he said.
“I focused on using my right foot as the best weapon for me to score points against my opponent.”
Johan, who is making his own mark in the ONE Championship, jokingly shared a video on social media for his brother, reminding him of what’s at stake.
“If you don’t get gold, it’s a shame. If you lose, it’s a shame.
“I’ve gotten gold, Elias too,” said Johan.
But Mikail has his targets set and won’t stray from it.
“I hope to get gold at Sukma. I am motivated because I am representing Sarawak and competing in Sarawak for my first Sukma.
“I hope to get all the support from Sarawak to win.
“I will try my very best to give the people a gold medal,” he said.
