Muhammad Hazim Bin Mohd Yusli is a Pencak Silat athlete from Singapore who won gold medal at the 2019 SEA Games in Philipines. He made headlines in the sporting world after being crowned a world champion back in 2018. Although a quiet, shy individual, Yusli began with a good set of Pencak Silat skills. He surprised his fellow teammates and countrymen when he won gold at the 2016 World Junior championships, at the young age of 14. Below is an excerpt from the magazine Silat Uncut (Volume 17 – March 2020), where the editor interviews Hazim Yusli about his experiences in sport Silat.
Qn: What does it feel like to be crowned a world champion at a young age?
I am very blessed to be able to achieve a childhood dream at 18, which I assume is younger than most people. More than that I think it came as a surprise because I did not expect it would become a reality. Nonetheless, I am grateful.
Qn: You are one of the younger ones in a family of 4 siblings. How did your siblings and family react when you received your first champion title?
Without a doubt they were the happiest bunch people when I received my first title. They have supported me from young, when I started Silat – supporting me through each and every training, competition – be it local or overseas up till I was crowned champion. It was a lot of hard work not just for me but for my family too.
Qn: The world junior 2016 was quite a memorable one. What was the difference between the moment when you crowned world junior champion and world champion?
Well, the obvious difference would be the location. The 2016 championship was held in Kuala Lumpur whereas the 2018 championship were held in Singapore. No one really expected me to clinch the gold medal at 14 during the World Junior but that was probably the start of it all.
During the World Championship, I was the only one left to compete. I had more support and cheers from the spectators who came down. It was quite emotional because my family witnessed it. I ran and hugged them right after.
Qn: Did your family dynamics change upon receiving all these titles? (i.e did they treat you differently, were you suddenly expected to excel in everything etc?)
No, not at all. We are all happy with our own achievements, big or small. My family actually grew closer than before so I’m very thankful for that.
Qn: What inspires you the most?
I don’t have any specific inspiration but I have a certain mindset that I cultivate. I don’t have that many goals; but when I want something I work hard and I achieve it.
Qn: What is one thing you want everyone to always remember?
When you do it with sincerity, the results will always be good. This is something I believe in strongly. When doing or achieving something, always remember what your intentions are. Good outcomes are results of good intentions.
