{
  "id": 1251458,
  "title": "Danish's sacrifices pay off with Sukma judo gold",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/16/danishs-sacrifices-pay-off-with-sukma-judo-gold",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-16T10:42:20.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/sports/others/2026/08/1512478/danishs-sacrifices-pay-sukma-judo-gold"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Shah Alam witnessed an extraordinary display of dedication and skill from judoka Danish Mirza Nasrin as he clinched the men's +90kg gold at the Selangor Malaysia Games (Sukma) on Sunday. The 18-year-old Pahang judoka made a bold decision to prioritize his training over social activities and video games, dedicating himself fully to his sport. The ultimate sacrifice for Danish was giving up time spent with friends and playing games to focus on honing his skills.\n\nDanish's victory marked a significant turnaround for him, as he had previously finished empty-handed at the Sukma in Sarawak in 2024. However, this disappointment fueled his determination to secure a gold medal at the upcoming Games. Danish's journey to the top was further impressive considering his status as a blue belt, the third-highest grade in his progression, with brown belt preceding black belt. His coach encouraged him to embrace the unpredictable nature of judo, saying, \"Anything can happen on the tatami.\" Taking this advice to heart, Danish gave his all in the semi-finals, defeating Johor black belt Amir Luqman Azhar by ippon. Despite facing a higher-ranked opponent, Danish remained unfazed by Amir's black belt status, attributing his success to the unwavering support from his coaches and teammates. Danis hopes that his impressive Sukma performance will catch the attention of national selectors, and he is open to becoming a member of the national team if given the opportunity.",
  "summary": "SHAH ALAM: While most teenagers his age were spending time with friends or playing video games, judoka Danish Mirza Nasrin was making a different choice.",
  "key_points": [
    "Danish Mirza Nasrin wins men's +90kg gold at Sukma judo",
    "18-year-old Pahang judoka prioritizes training over social activities",
    "Victory comes after previous empty-handed Sukma finish in 2024"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Bernama",
        "title": "Sport : SUKMA 2026: Danish Mirza Hoping For National Call-Up After Winning Judo Gold",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/16/sport-sukma-2026-danish-mirza-hoping-for-national-call-up-after",
        "published": "2026-08-16T09:00:22.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "(UPDATED) Sprinter Danish retains Sukma 100m title in season best time [WATCH]",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/16/updated-sprinter-danish-retains-sukma-100m-title-in-season-best-time",
        "published": "2026-08-16T09:36:18.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}