For these Henry Gurney trainees, Muay Thai offers a way forward
The martial art has given several young offenders discipline, confidence and, for some, a path to the national team.
The Henry Gurney juvenile rehabilitation institution in Melaka has seen two of its trainees, Ahyan and Akil, represent Malaysia at the World Muay Thai Championships. Both had limited sporting experience before joining the school, but Muay Thai provided them with discipline, focus and purpose. Ahyan, 20, expressed surprise at being selected to represent Malaysia, stating that he never imagined someone from his institution could achieve such a feat.
Akil, 21, also felt stunned when learning of his selection, attributing his selection to the positive impact Muay Thai had on his life. Fellow trainee Harry, now 26, went on to win the 2022 World Youth Muay Thai Championships in Abu Dhabi after leaving the institution, crediting Henry Gurney for teaching him discipline and determination.
Malaysian Muay Thai Association general manager Saifulnizam Shahar acknowledged that Muay Thai has helped former trainees like Ahyan and Akil rebuild their lives, but society also needs to give them opportunities to reintegrate and not continue judging them based on their past.
Written by urgent.news from Free Malaysia Today's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
- For these Henry Gurney trainees, Muay Thai offers a way forward freemalaysiatoday.com
