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    “Malaysia is proud of your achievement” – Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim celebrates Aliff’s historic championship win

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    Runfyers
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    Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim added his voice to a wave of national pride that swept across Malaysia.

    Aliff Sor Dechapan became the first Malaysian to win gold in ONE Championship with a stunning fifth-round KO of Muay Thai legend Sam-A Gaiyanghadao in the main event of The Inner Circle 23 at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on Friday.

    The 22-year-old Sor Dechapan gym product stopped the 42-year-old former two-sport, two-division ONE world champion with a head kick and right cross combination in round five to claim the ONE interim strawweight Muay Thai world title.

    PM Anwar, who had publicly backed Aliff ahead of the fight, was among the first to respond when the result came in. In a statement, he offered his congratulations and framed the victory as something larger than a single athletic achievement.

    Get the latest updates on One Championship Rankings at Sportskeeda and more

    “Congratulations to Aliff Rakib on making history as the first Malaysian to become a ONE Championship world champion,” Anwar wrote on Instagram. “This achievement not only brings pride to the nation but also proves that Malaysia’s young people possess the ability, courage, and determination to compete and succeed on the world stage.”

    He then turned directly to the next generation, using Aliff’s story as a rallying point.

    “May this historic accomplishment inspire more young Malaysians to pursue their dreams with determination, discipline, and an unwavering fighting spirit. Believe that nothing is impossible when hard work is combined with dedication and faith in God. Well done, Aliff. Malaysia is proud of your achievement,” Anwar added.

    The Inner Circle 23 full results

    Aliff Sor Dechapan def. Sam-A Gaiyanghadao via KO (ONE interim strawweight Muay Thai world championship)

    Panpayak ‘The Angel Warrior’ Jitmuangnon def. Anuar Cisneros via unanimous decision (bantamweight kickboxing)

    Ryujin ‘Shindo’ Nasukawa def. Thongpoon PK Saenchai via TKO (strawweight kickboxing)

    Michel Dirlenbach def. Mahan Fotouhi via unanimous decision (lightweight Muay Thai)

    Liu Junchao def. Kosei Yoshida via unanimous decision (flyweight kickboxing)