17-Year-Old Wins Historic Judo Medal For Malaysia In 2022 Commonwealth Games
The teenage judoka bagged a bronze in the under 73kg weight class.
By May Vin Ang — 03 Aug 2022, 05:38 PM
17-year-old Amir Daniel Abdul Majeed created history on Tuesday, 2 August, as he became the first Malaysian to win a judo medal at the Commonwealth Games
The teenage judoka bagged a bronze in the under 73kg weight class at the Coventry Arena in Birmingham, UK, after his opponent, Dato Matsoukatov from Cyprus, was disqualified for violating the rules of the competition.
According to Stadium Astro, Amir's achievement is even sweeter, considering that judo was not one of the sports highlighted for a medal finish by the Malaysian contingent.
In the Round of 16, Amir beat Samoa's William Tai Tin 10-0 before losing to Australian judoka Jake Bensted in the quarter finals
The Southeast Asian (SEA) Games bronze medallist then bounced back in the repechage round, defeating Mozambique's Narciso Mozana, to reach the bronze medal fight.
Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games under 73kg weight class judo medallists from left to right: Faye Njie of Gambia, Daniel Powell of England, Jake Bensted of Australia, and Amir Daniel.
Image via EPA/New Straits TimesNational judo coach Md Nashriq Md Nasir was delighted with Amir's performance
"We are grateful for this success. Though we won this bronze after our opponent was disqualified, it remains a proud achievement," he said, as quoted by New Straits Times.
"It shows that all the effort and hard work that Amir has put in is worth it."
As of day five of the Games, Amir's win brings Malaysia's medal tally to three gold, two silver, and three bronze.
