KUALA LUMPUR - The Malaysian Boxing Federation (PTM) will send its top three athletes for overseas training camps to build resilience and competitiveness, in aiming to secure at least one gold medal at the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand.
PTM president Datuk Mohamad Iruan Zulkefli said that these three boxers will be selected based on their performance at the ongoing Asian Boxing Confederation Championship in Chiang Mai, Thailand, as part of preparations for major international challenges.
Among the frontrunners are Muhammad Rasdenal Haikal Mohd Fadzli (48kg), Muhammad Abdul Qaiyum Ariffin (51kg), Muhammad Ridzuan Mohd Johari (60kg), and Muhammad Ariff Aiman Mohd Farid (67kg), all showing significant potential to bring glory to Malaysia.
"We’ve decided on three rounds of overseas training and participation in as many international tournaments as possible. We aim to base our athletes in Thailand and Kazakhstan, possibly for two months each.
"The athletes we select have the potential to contribute a gold medal at the SEA Games, as well as prepare for the Commonwealth Games," he told reporters after a National Sports Council’s Working Committee meeting at Bukit Jalil today.
According to Mohamad Iruan, the centralised training is likely to commence after the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations next year to ensure the boxers are well-prepared for six of the 12 events scheduled in Thailand.
Despite the focus on overseas training, PTM remains committed to maintaining rigorous training programmes locally
"We will ensure other athletes also train diligently, whether it’s one month or just two weeks," he added. - BERNAMA