Taiping Boy Crowned 2016 Muay Thai World Champion

This native of Changkat Jering, Taiping, Perak, is no ordinary child. While he shares the same personality as other children his age, his name alone is feared in the international Muay Thai arena.

Who would have thought that this teenager has been involved in Muay Thai since he was 4 years old? With full encouragement and support from his parents and family, he began his journey in Muay Thai, receiving training from his own father. It was a proud moment for the state of Perak and the country in 2016 when, at the age of 12, he successfully won the Muay Thai world championship in the 12-year-old category in Bangkok, Thailand. Iskandar Zulqarnain Mohamad Ezry A’Zamin, or more affectionately known as Khuntab Iskandar, was a sixth-grade student at Sekolah Kebangsaan Changkat Jering when he won the world title, and today he has continued his education at the secondary level.

For our loyal readers at orangperak.com, Khuntab Iskandar emerged as the champion after defeating the host nation's participant, Tannapon Pennikorn, who was a three-time world champion. Khuntab Iskandar's father, Mohamad Ezry A’Zamin Abdul Wahab, could not believe it when his eldest son managed to defeat an opponent who had a physical advantage over Khuntab.

Khuntab Iskandar's success in clinching the world title will certainly inspire him to continue developing his talent in the combat sport and open the eyes of the public to get involved in the sport. Khuntab Iskandar's parents are wise in managing their eldest son's daily schedule, balancing Muay Thai training without ever neglecting his academic focus. Khuntab Iskandar begins his Muay Thai training every day after returning from school.

After finishing his Muay Thai training, Khuntab Iskandar studies and completes his school assignments. In the afternoon, he goes out to play with his peers. At night, Khuntab Iskandar continues his studies.

Khuntab Iskandar is the pride of all Perakians and all Malaysians. May this child's dream of becoming a professional Muay Thai fighter be achieved, and we all here are always praying for your success. A million congratulations!