Kelantan judoka Muhammad Rayqal Hakimi Rosli made history by winning the state’s first-ever SUKMA judo gold in the men’s under-73kg category.
KELANTAN judoka Muhammad Rayqal Hakimi Rosli made history by emerging champion in the under-73kg category at the 2026 Malaysia Games (SUKMA) here today to give the state its first-ever gold in the sport.
In the final held at the Ideal Convention Centre, the 16-year-old defeated Terengganu’s Muhammad Firhan Iman Mohd Faizal via ippon (full point) to secure the gold medal.
Rayqal said he was surprised to emerge champion as he had only set his sights on reaching the final.
“I’m quite surprised because I didn’t expect to win the final. Previously, at the national championships, I reached the final but did not win gold.
“This gold is a good start for Kelantan judo in producing more talented judokas,” he told reporters after the match.
Commenting on his involvement in judo, the student of Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sports School in Johor said he was introduced to the sport at the age of 13.
He said the sport caught his interest as it could help him to lose weight.
“Actually, I never knew what judo was like. When there was a class and they opened registration to anyone interested, I thought about losing weight, so I put my name down.
“I took up judo when I was in Form One. At that time, I weighed 76kg and now I maintain my weight below 73kg,” said Rayqal, who hopes to represent Malaysia at the 2027 SEA Games.
Kelantan judo coach Muhamad Mazuan Zainal Abidin said he was proud of Rayqal’s achievement.
Muhamad Mazuan also believes Rayqal has the potential to follow in the footsteps of 2026 Commonwealth Games gold medallist Amir Daniel Abd Majeed if he continues to show progress.
“His performance and discipline are good, and he has achievements under his belt. I hope Rayqal will continue to progress and be able to become like Amir Daniel.”
