Malay Martial Arts Athlete Umi Mashita Wins Silver for Malaysia at World Championships

(Miri, 26th) Malay martial arts female athlete Umi Mashita from Marudi, Miri, recently won a silver medal for Malaysia at the World Malay Martial Arts Championship.

21-year-old Umi Mashita expressed her happiness at a press conference held by the Sarawak Sports Council today, saying she was delighted to win a silver medal at the highest level of competition.

She said she started learning Malay martial arts in 2020, and before that, she was involved in futsal.

“After winning a gold medal for Sarawak at the Malaysia Games, I was selected for the Malaysia team. This is also my first time representing Malaysia in an international competition, and I have become the first female athlete from Sarawak to win a medal at the World Championships.”

She competed in the women's Group C, 55 to 60 kg category, facing Thailand in the first round, the Netherlands in the semi-finals, and was defeated by a Vietnamese competitor in the final, securing a silver medal.

The event was held in Abu Dhabi and attracted more than 1,200 participants from 55 countries.

It is known that she represented Miri in the Sarawak Games last year and achieved excellent results, leading to her selection for the Sarawak team to prepare for the Malaysia Games held in Sarawak, where she won a gold medal for Sarawak.

Additionally, Sarawak Malay Martial Arts Association President Madan expressed hope that Umi Mashita's achievements can attract more young people, especially females, to learn Malay martial arts.

Reportedly, the Sarawak Malay Martial Arts Association and the Miri branch are fully prepared for the Southeast Asian Games, as Sarawak will co-host the event in 2027, with Miri possibly hosting some events.