KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has congratulated exponent Thamaraj Vasudevan for making the nation proud at the World Pencak Silat Championships in Abu Dhabi yesterday (Dec 23).
Thamaraj created history by becoming the first-ever Malaysian Indian to win a world title in silat after he defeated Khudoyberdiev Diyorbek of Uzbekistan in the men's open category final.
Zahid said he was proud of Thamaraj's performances.
"I was very excited to see Thamaraj winning the world title in Abu Dhabi, it was a historic moment," said Zahid on social media today.
"Thamaraj was excellent in the final of the men's open category and defeated Diyorbek to bring home a very meaningful gold for the country.
"Overall, the national silat squad did the nation proud as the senior team won six gold, nine silver and four bronzes while the junior team won five gold, four silver and four bronze.
"I would like to thank the entire silat squad for their dedication and their outstanding performances.
"Hopefully, this is just the start and there will be many more victories for Malaysia in the future."
Zahid also expressed his appreciation to Malaysia National Silat Federation (Pesaka) president Datuk Megat Zulkarnain Omardin for his contributions to the sport.