Aaliyah sweeps gold at Asian Waterski Championships
KUALA LUMPUR: National waterski ace Aaliyah Yoong Hanifah showed her maturity as she led Malaysia to an outstanding haul at the Asian Championships in Bangkok which concluded in Bangkok on Sunday (June 29).
Aaliyah completed a clean sweep in the women's events, winning the open slalom, tricks, jump and overall titles in Thailand.
It is the third time the 21-year-old has dominated the women's events at the Asian meet after previously sweeping medals at the Thailand (2019) and South Korea (2022) editions.
This time, her brother Aiden, 19, also captured gold in the men's open tricks and overall categories as well as bronze in both the slalom and jump events. Meanwhile Aaliyah's other brother Adam, 17, clinched bronze in the men's open tricks.
Malaysia also made history in the team event, with Aaliyah, Aiden, Adam and Syahir Nasir combining to beat Asian powerhouses Japan and South Korea to claim the team title for the first time.
Hanifah Yoong, who is the trio's father and also the national head coach, said it was a proud moment for Malaysia.
"We are extremely proud of the team, especially with Aaliyah now performing at her peak," he said.
"She is also playing a key role in helping to coach and guide her brothers, as well as Syahir. The boys have matured and are now capable of challenging the top male skiers in Asia."
The squad's performances in Bangkok bodes well for Malaysia's hopes in upcoming competitions, he added.
"Malaysia will be in a strong position to do well at both Thailand Sea Games this year (Dec) and the 2027 SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur," said Hanifah.
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Aaliyah sweeps gold at Asian Waterski Championships
KUALA LUMPUR: National waterski ace Aaliyah Yoong Hanifah showed her maturity as she led Malaysia to an outstanding haul at the Asian Championships in Bangkok which concluded in Bangkok on Sunday (June 29). Aaliyah completed a clean sweep in the women's events, winning the open slalom, tricks, jump and overall titles in Thailand. It is the third time the 21-year-old has dominated the women's events at the Asian meet after previously sweeping medals at the Thailand (2019) and South Korea (2022) editions. This time, her brother Aiden, 19, also captured gold in the men's open tricks and overall categories as well as bronze in both the slalom and jump events. Meanwhile Aaliyah's other brother Adam, 17, clinched bronze in the men's open tricks. Malaysia also made history in the team event, with Aaliyah, Aiden, Adam and Syahir Nasir combining to beat Asian powerhouses Japan and South Korea to claim the team title for the first time. Hanifah Yoong, who is the trio's father and also the national head coach, said it was a proud moment for Malaysia. "We are extremely proud of the team, especially with Aaliyah now performing at her peak," he said. "She is also playing a key role in helping to coach and guide her brothers, as well as Syahir. The boys have matured and are now capable of challenging the top male skiers in Asia." The squad's performances in Bangkok bodes well for Malaysia's hopes in upcoming competitions, he added. "Malaysia will be in a strong position to do well at both Thailand Sea Games this year (Dec) and the 2027 SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur," said Hanifah.
