🌏 Asian Youth Games Bahrain
Sabah Athletes Deliver Medals for Team Malaysia

Sabah’s young Muaythai athletes made a significant impact at the Asian Youth Games in Bahrain, emerging not only as representatives of Team Malaysia, but also as key medal contributors on the international stage. Their performances reflected the strength of Sabah’s youth development system and its growing role in Malaysia’s Muaythai success.
🇲🇾 Sabahan Medal Contributors for Team Malaysia
Five Sabahan athletes proudly carried the national colours, producing medal-winning performances against strong Asian opposition:
- Auryelle Xzandra🥈 Silver Medal, Women’s Wai Kru
- Ariesya Dania🥉 Bronze Medal, Women’s Wai Kru
- Jaethan Quan🥉 Bronze Medal, Men’s Wai Kru
- Jaethan Quan & Bethany Lai🥉 Bronze Medal, Maimuay Duo Mix
These achievements highlight Sabah’s excellence not only in competitive Muaythai, but also in the technical and cultural disciplines that form the foundation of the sport.
🥊 Sabahan Leadership on the National Bench
Adding to Sabah’s contribution, Cyrille Dhillon Tahing was appointed Head Coach of Team Malaysia Muaythai for the Asian Youth Games, supported by Mardiana Mohd Maulana as Assistant Coach.
Their leadership ensured the athletes were well-prepared physically, mentally, and technically, reinforcing Sabah’s reputation as a producer of both elite athletes and national-level coaches.
🎭 Excellence in Cultural Muaythai Disciplines
The medals secured in Wai Kru and Maimuay categories demonstrate Malaysia’s — and Sabah’s — strength in Muaythai’s cultural expressions. These disciplines are internationally recognised and contested at major multi-sport events, reflecting Muaythai’s unique blend of tradition, respect, and artistry.
Sabah’s success in these categories positions the state as a regional leader in cultural Muaythai development.
🌱 Building Malaysia’s Future Champions
The Asian Youth Games serve as a vital platform for long-term athlete development, exposing young athletes to elite competition and international standards at an early stage.
Sabah’s medal contributions reaffirm:
- The effectiveness of structured grassroots and youth pathways
- Strong collaboration between state and national associations
- A sustainable pipeline from Sabah Games and SUKMA to continental and global championships