Weight class change no barrier for Amir's medal defense bid

Amir Daniel Abdul Majeed, a Malaysian judo athlete, is set to compete in the under-81kg category at the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. This shift from his previous under-73kg category is viewed as a strategic advantage, allowing him to avoid extreme dieting and concentrate on his training.

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My main mission is to defend that medal. I have moved up from the 73kg category to 81kg, and in this category, there are athletes in the top five in the world, as well as many others in the top 20 and 30.

Despite the increased competition in the under-81kg division, which includes several top-five world-ranked judokas, Amir remains focused on his primary goal: defending the bronze medal he won in the previous edition of the Games. He acknowledges the intense rivalry but embraces it as a challenge.

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The competition is indeed very tough, but that is a challenge I have to face.

Amir's preparation has been ongoing, even while balancing his final year of university studies. He has already undergone training camps in Mongolia and China as part of his buildup for the Commonwealth Games. His natural body weight is around 80kg, making the move to the 81kg category more ideal and allowing him to train under normal conditions without drastic weight adjustments.

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The 81kg category is actually more natural for me because my weight is around 80kg.

While confident in his strength and technical skills, Amir recognizes that experience is a key factor. He is eager to learn from opponents who have more experience in this weight class. His participation highlights the dedication of athletes balancing academic and elite sporting pursuits.

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I don't have to diet too much, and that allows me to train under normal conditions.