Darwisy takes Diaz’s advice to heart and lands long-awaited win

KAJANG: Sound advice from Filipino Olympic champion Hidilyn Diaz helped Federal Territories weightlifter Ahmad Darwisy Tharmidzi (pic) to secure his Malaysia Games (Sukma) breakthrough win at Dewan Seri Cempaka, Kajang.

The 18-year-old emerged victorious in the newly introduced men’s below 60kg class after clearing 107kg in the snatch and 141kg in the clean and jerk to win gold on a combined 248kg yesterday.

Azri Irfan Azhar missed out narrowly to settle for silver on 247kg (108kg, 139kg) while Kedah’s Haris Hasrul took bronze with 240kg (108kg, 132kg).

Darwisy, who was promoted to the national back-up squad in Bukit Jalil earlier this year, said he had to cope with a lower back injury.

“I just tried my best to focus, execute my lifts and follow the plan laid out by my coach,” said Darwisy, who won bronze (in below 55kg) in his 2024 Games debut in Sarawak.

Darwisy is originally from Jasin, Melaka and had the opportunity to train at Kampung Kesang Tua during his formative years.

Kesang Tua is where Hidilyn Diaz had trained in the lead-up to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

She went on to win her country’s first-ever Olympic gold medal.

Hidilyn has returned to visit and train at the same venue over the years, which is how Darwisy got acquainted with the Filipino.

“I first started to train at Kesang Tua in 2022 and I am grateful that I had the opportunity to meet Hidilyn there.

“She did give me some good advice. She told me that it was important to be disciplined and stay mentally strong.

“She added confidence was important but one had to be careful not to be overconfident. I won’t forget the things she told me.”

Qhaerul Izzren Syuhada made it double joy for Perak by winning the women’s below 53kg event with her total of 143kg.