Kuala lumpur: Winning Malaysia's first-ever gold medal in judo at the Commonwealth Games was a significant achievement for Amir Daniel Abdul Majeed, who expressed relief and joy after his historic victory at the Glasgow 2026 edition. The 21-year-old judoka from Penang achieved this milestone in the Under-81 kilogram category, marking a remarkable debut.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Amir Daniel shared that his journey to the gold medal was filled with sacrifices, balancing rigorous training sessions with his academic commitments as a student. His dedication paid off as he stood victorious on the international stage, bringing pride to his nation. The young athlete's triumph was not only a personal success but a moment of national pride, as he dedicated his win to all Malaysians.

Amir Daniel's demanding schedule left him with limited time for family interactions, which made the victory even more meaningful. He acknowledged the support of his family, particularly his mother and sister, who witnessed his final bout at the Scottish Event Campus. In the intense four-minute match, Amir Daniel defeated South Africa's Timothy Meuwsen via a waza-ari using the kata-guruma technique.

This victory added to Malaysia's medal tally as Amir Daniel secured the country's eighth gold at the games. His achievement also marked a personal comeback after overcoming a grade two medial collateral ligament tear earlier in the year. Despite the injury, Amir Daniel persevered through rehabilitation, using the experience as motivation rather than a setback.

Looking ahead, Amir Daniel is setting his sights on qualifying for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, aiming for further success on the international stage. His journey in judo began with a bronze medal at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games in the Under-73kg category, laying the foundation for his historic gold medal win in Glasgow.