For these Henry Gurney trainees, Muay Thai offers a way forward

For some Henry Gurney trainees, Muay Thai has provided a pathway beyond the rehabilitation centre, allowing them to compete at state, national, and even international levels. KUALA LUMPUR: Ahyan, a 20-year-old trainee, is one of two students from the juvenile rehabilitation institution chosen to represent Malaysia at the World Muay Thai Championships in June.

He is also the first trainee from the school to achieve national-athlete status. Ahyan, who only took up the sport after joining the institution at 17, credits Muay Thai with providing discipline and direction in his life. Before becoming a Muay Thai athlete, he struggled with direction in life and brought shame to his family. After representing Malaysia at the championships, he felt his family's pride more than any medal.

Fellow trainee Akil, 21, also found purpose in Muay Thai after joining the school at 17. He too was selected for the World Muay Thai Championships, which he initially found unbelievable. His selection represents more than personal achievement; it symbolizes that making serious mistakes at a young age does not have to define a person's future.

Harry, now 26, is another former trainee who became a world Muay Thai champion and now coaches the sport. He credits the institution with teaching him discipline, respect, and determination, which helped him rebuild his life. Despite facing prejudice from some in his community after his release, Harry's sporting achievements changed how others perceived him, leading him to work as a Muay Thai coach at a gym in Damansara.

Malaysian Muaythai Association general manager Saifulnizam Shahar noted that several former trainees have continued competing after their release and that some have gone on to become champions. However, he emphasized that while sport can rehabilitate individuals, society must also play a role in allowing former trainees to reintegrate genuinely, rather than continuing to judge them solely by their past.