Selangor: A day job as an air-conditioning service technician did not stop Selangor silambam athlete M. Mahendran from making history by clinching a golden hat-trick at the Selangor 2026 Malaysia Games (SUKMA).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, what makes the achievement even more remarkable is that it came after only eight months of training, during which he had to juggle his job with preparations for the Games. The Kuala Langat-born athlete, who has been working in the air-conditioning service sector around Telok Panglima Garang for over a year, said his daily routine was gruelling.

"I work until 6 pm, then go straight to training. Training runs from 7 to 10 at night. Then the next morning, I'm back at work by 10 am," he told Bernama after the competition. The 20-year-old said the sacrifice was well worth it, as he bagged the gold and completed his hat-trick at the Games, an achievement he described as deeply meaningful.

He said the victory was even more special because he had to overcome various challenges, including a protest situation, before being confirmed as the winner. "I was scared too, but I was confident I could win the protest. After the decision came through, I was confirmed as the champion," he said.

On his golden hat-trick, he said the achievement was a source of immense pride, as no other silambam athlete has ever managed to pull off such a feat. "I feel a bit proud because this is my third time. No one has ever taken three hat-tricks in SUKMA," he said.

Mahendran, who competed in the men's poruthal category (65kg to 75kg), defeated Perak's M. Tharani 15-12 at the Subang Jaya City Council Stadium in Serdang Jaya. Earlier, Mahendran's win was delayed by nearly two hours before he was officially announced as the champion. He also expressed appreciation for the unwavering support of his parents, who constantly motivated him to pursue success.