Late Bloomer Ummi Mashitah Stuns Home Favourite To Win SEA Games Silat Gold

By Amiril Muttaqien Meketar

BANGKOK, Dec 17 (Bernama) -- National silat exponent Ummi Mashitah Hassan delivered a remarkable performance by clinching the gold medal in the women’s Class C (55–60 kilogrammes) at the Thailand 2025 SEA Games here, despite having taken up the sport only two years ago.

Competing in her maiden appearance at the biennial Games at IMPACT Arena, Muang Thong Thani, Ummi Mashitah produced an impressive display to defeat home favourite Anuntaya Nyompan 104–88 on the final day of pencak silat competition.

The 22-year-old athlete from Miri admitted she had no background in silat before trying the sport two years ago.

She said discipline and intensive training of up to six hours a day helped propel her from competing in low-level competitions to the SEA Games stage.

“I only played futsal previously. I had zero basics in silat before joining a Gayong Ghaib silat club in my village, and that was when I developed an interest.

“Alhamdulillah, with hard work and trust in Allah’s blessings, and continuous training under my coach (Siti Rahmah Mohamed Nasir), I managed to reach this level,” she told reporters here today.

Ummi said her perseverance also earned her selection to represent Sarawak, where she won the women’s Class B (50–55kg) title at the 2024 Malaysia Games (SUKMA) in her home state.

She also revealed that she faced health challenges ahead of the SEA Games after contracting influenza A, which affected her fitness and body weight.

“There were lingering effects after the fever, and my weight dropped to between 53kg and 54kg at one point.

“So I had to gain weight again. Every morning I made sure to eat and drink three bottles of water to qualify for Class C,” she said.

Ummi dedicated her victory to Siti Rahmah for the guidance and mentorship provided by the former world champion throughout her journey.

The Thailand 2025 SEA Games are being held from Dec 9 to 20 in Bangkok and Chonburi.

-- BERNAMA