PETALING JAYA: Azlan Iskandar is a former Asian Games squash champion but his daughter Zara Aaliya Azlan is making her presence felt in a different discipline altogether.
Only 12, Zara is fast proving she is a star in the making in ju-jitsu.
Zara made history for Malaysia by winning the gold medal at the ADCC World Youth Championship in Texas, United States, over the weekend.
Zara competed in the 11-12 year-old 62.5kg category and won two intense fights by impressive submissions.
Zara had stayed behind in US to compete in the world junior meet. She had taken gold in the orange belt category at the IBJJF Pan Kids Ju-Jitsu Championship held in Kissimmee, Florida, last month.
In April, Zara had won gold at the 2026 IBJJF European Championships in Ireland.
Malaysia Ju-jitsu Federation, in a statement, congratulated Zara for making her mark on the international stage again.
“Considered as the ‘Olympics of Grappling, the ADCC is the most prestigious event in youth ju-jitsu and is by invitation only.
“The future of Malaysian ju-jitsu is shining bright and this is so inspiring for our youth. Congratulations Zara, keep going.”
Zara, in an earlier interview, credited her parents for instilling good sporting values to her from a very young age.
