Sukma champ Putera fired up by idol Amir's Commonwealth Games triumph

Shah Alam: Judoka Putera Qaid Muaz Zallei, a 19-year-old Johor teenager, was inspired by Amir Daniel Abdul Majeed's work ethic and historic Commonwealth Games triumph. On Friday, Putera claimed the men's 60kg gold medal at the Malaysia Games (Sukma) at the Ideal Convention Centre (IDCC) in Shah Alam, defeating Terengganu's Lokman Hakim Asri seven seconds into the golden score.

This victory marked more than Putera's first Sukma title; it offered a glimpse of the level he hopes to reach after witnessing Amir's achievements. Putera emphasized that Amir's dedication in training, rather than just his accomplishments, has been particularly influential. Initially intimidated by the sport when he began judo during his Form Four years, Putera has since worked diligently with his coach and teammates, refining his techniques and reaping the rewards.

As a student at Sekolah Sukan Tunku Mahkota Ismail (SSTMI), Putera had previously secured runner-up positions at the national senior and junior championships. However, this Sukma gold medal serves as a significant milestone, propelling his ambitions to join the national team and compete at the 2027 Sea Games.