SHAH ALAM: Putera Arsyad Danish Mohd Afrizan was just learning the ropes in taekwondo six years ago but now he will leave the Malaysia Games (Sukma) as a two-time gold medal winner.
The 20-year-old Pahang taekwondo exponent retained his title in the men's 68kg after defeating Sarawak’s Joseph Wong at the Ideal Convention Centre (IDCC) on Sunday (Aug 16).
It was a repeat of Putera’s debut Sukma appearance final at the previous edition two years ago, where he also downed home representative Joseph in Kuching.
Having been discovered at a night market in Kuantan six years ago by Thai coach Kongpol Khoomkrong, Putera reflected on his journey, having risen from a newbie to now a double champion.
"I’m really happy to have defended my gold medal because I’ve been training hard," said Putera.
"Just a few years ago I was nothing in this sport. It was empty. I had nothing, but all the training with my coach in Pahang has paid off.
"From being empty-handed, to now having two gold medals. It feels amazing."
Putera said facing Joseph once again in the final brought back memories of his first Sukma.
"Facing the same opponent definitely did help me. I could roughly predict how things were going to be but it was still a tough fight in my last Sukma," he said.
Currently a national back-up athlete, Putera hopes to make the grade and represent Malaysia at the Kuala Lumpur SEA Games next year.
"I have hopes to compete at the SEA Games, and also bigger events after that."
RESULTS
All finals
Men
68kg: Putera Arsyad Danish Mohd Afrizan (Pah) bt Joseph Wong (Swk) 2-0
80kg: Nasruddin Azrin (Ter) bt Yap Ren Ken (FT) 2-0.
87kg: AJ Ong (Swk) bt S Dushendran Kumar (Joh) 2-0.
Women
57kg: Melissa Soo (FT) bt Nur Ain Aleesya Abdullah (Pah) 2-1.
67kg: Masturina Mahadzir (Joh) bt Noor Wirdani Qistina (Pen) 2-0.
73kg: Pretty Amisha Amanda Anak Francesca (Swk) bt Nur Aliya Ellisya Husyaimy (Ked) 2-0.
