Kuala lumpur: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has hailed national Muay Thai exponent Ahmad Nor Iman Aliff Rakib's achievement in becoming the first Malaysian to win a ONE Championship world title as a historic milestone for the country.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid, in a Facebook post today, remarked that the young athlete's triumph demonstrates Malaysians' ability to compete on the world stage while adding another chapter to the nation's sporting achievements. 'Alhamdulillah, another record has been created for Malaysia. Congratulations to our Muay Thai champion, Ahmad Nor Iman Aliff Rakib, for making history as the first Malaysian to win a ONE Championship world title,' he stated.

Ahmad Zahid emphasized that Aliff's achievement would serve as an inspiration for more young Malaysians to engage in sports and chase their dreams of bringing glory to the nation. 'Well done, young man! Aliff's achievement will undoubtedly inspire the younger generation to pursue their dreams and raise Malaysia's profile on the world stage,' he added.

Aliff achieved this historic feat by knocking out Thai legend Sam-A Gaiyanghadao to win the Interim ONE Strawweight Muay Thai World Championship at ONE: The Inner Circle 23, held at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok yesterday. This victory marks him as the first Malaysian to secure a world title under ONE Championship, the world's largest martial arts organization.