ONE Championship

A World Title win rarely comes with a personal audience from a head of state. This week, it did.

Aliff Sor Dechapan, accompanied by his parents, received a welcome from Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the Prime Minister’s Office in Putrajaya this week. The visit followed his fifth-round finish of Sam-A Gaiyanghadao at The Inner Circle 23 on Friday, July 24.

That win made Aliff the first Malaysian to capture ONE World gold. It also pushed his career record to 63-9 and earned him a US$50,000 performance bonus.

Anwar had publicly rallied the nation behind Aliff ahead of the fight. This week’s meeting carried that same national spirit forward. The two even shared a lighthearted shadowboxing moment inside the Prime Minister’s office.

“Alhamdulillah, today I had the opportunity to meet YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, in Putrajaya. It was a deeply meaningful honor for me and serves as a source of inspiration to keep fighting and bringing glory to Malaysia’s name on the global stage,” Aliff wrote.

“Thank you to everyone who continues to pray for and support my journey. God willing, I will continue to give the best for my country.”

Anwar Ibrahim celebrates Aliff Sor Dechapan’s rise

Anwar was among the first public figures to celebrate Aliff Sor Dechapan’s win, sharing in the outpouring of national pride that followed. He extended that same warmth in person during this week’s meeting.

The Prime Minister posted his own message following the visit. He framed the achievement as proof of what Malaysia’s youth can accomplish on the world stage.

“I welcomed Aliff Rakib to my office today and congratulated him on his historic achievement of becoming the first Malaysian to clinch the ONE Interim Strawweight Muay Thai World Title in ONE Championship. This success not only brings glory to Malaysia on the international stage but also demonstrates that our nation’s youth possess the capability, discipline, and fighting spirit to compete against the world’s best,” Anwar wrote.

“May this achievement inspire more young people to pursue their dreams with determination, commitment, and unwavering perseverance. Well done, Aliff Rakib, Malaysia is proud of this success.”

This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM