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KUALA LUMPUR – Despite struggling with a right shoulder injury since May this year, national silat champion Mohd Al Jufferi Jamari is optimistic of defending the gold medal at the World Silat Championships which will begin on July 26 in Ayer Keroh, Melaka.
The 30-year-old exponent who previously expressed his desire to retire will make his fourth appearance at the prestigious tournament, determined to end his career on a high note.
Al Jufferi emerged champion of the 2012, 2015 and 2016 editions of the Putra E class event (65-70 kg) to make history as the country’s first silat exponent to win a hat-trick of gold at the World Championships since its inception in 1982.
“The condition of my body is now around 80%. During yesterday’s training, the shoulder came out a little, so I need to have an operation to prevent a frozen shoulder. However, I have discussed with National Silat Federation of Malaysia president Datuk Megat Zulkarnain Omardin, and have made the decision to continue.
“The pain does not break my spirit and confidence to perform well, because I was born as an athlete who has to keep fighting in any situation,” he told reporters yesterday.
Al Jufferi, who also won four SEA Games gold medals in a row from 2011-2017, said injuries and serious shoulder pain were among the risks of the trade, but strategies and techniques to face opponents have been discussed with the coaching staff.
In the meantime, he also hinted at needing a long break after his retirement to make room for injury rehabilitation following his 15-year career in competitive silat and to focus on his family.
“I also need a longer break after retirement because my child now requires the presence of a father, so I want to be by my family’s side,” he said.
He also advised the country’s young martial arts athletes to improve their mental toughness in order to continue contributing medals to the country.
This World Championships which will take place at the Melaka International Trade Centre in Ayer Keroh, Melaka from July 26-31, will see Al Jufferi perform in Class F (70-75kg). – Bernama, July 21, 2022