Adam fights for more than himself in Nagoya

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, September 20, 2026

Adam Akaysah, a 25-year-old Malaysian ju-jitsu athlete, will make his Asian Games debut in Nagoya as the country's sole representative in the under 77kg category after extensive training supported by a world-class coach and community backing. His participation marks a significant step up from regional competitions, highlighting both his personal dedication and the collective support system that enabled him to compete at a higher continental level.

Adam Akaysah, a 25-year-old Malaysian ju-jitsu athlete, is set to make his Asian Games debut in Nagoya as the country’s sole representative in the sport. Competing in the below 77kg category, Adam has dedicated the past eight weeks to an intensive training regimen aimed at elevating his performance on Asia’s biggest sporting stage.

Adam’s preparation was bolstered by the involvement of Nursultan Amangeldiyev, a Kazakhstani coach and multiple world champion, who provided expert guidance throughout the training camp. Funding for the camp was secured through a collective effort involving Adam’s family, patrons from various ju-jitsu teams in Malaysia, and support from IZZA MMA, the gym where he currently trains. This financial backing allowed Adam to focus exclusively on training without work-related distractions.

“It literally takes a village to get me to this level,” Adam said, emphasizing the community effort behind his progress. He credited a close-knit group of training partners and students for their consistent support during the camp, noting their commitment to helping him push his limits and maintain focus. Adam also acknowledged his family’s crucial role, particularly highlighting the unwavering support from his parents. His wife, former athlete Dylea Harasya Chin, has been instrumental in managing his nutrition and providing a stable home environment to help him recover and stay mentally grounded.

Adam has previously earned three silver medals at the Southeast Asian Games but recognizes that the competition at the Asian Games will be more challenging. His qualification for the Asian Games came after finishing within the top five at the Asian Championships held in Jordan last year.

Despite the heightened level of competition, Adam prefers to concentrate on his own performance rather than the outcome, stating, “The only thing I can control is my performance, and I know that when I step out there, I’ll give it everything I have.” He identified athletes from South Korea, the United Arab Emirates, and Kazakhstan as strong contenders in his weight division.

As Adam prepares to represent Malaysia on the continental stage, his journey reflects not only personal ambition but also the collective effort and support of his broader sporting community.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.