Malaysia's young cheerleaders on winning gold in the International Cheerleading Cup
Team Malaysia Youth All Girls cheerleader and co-captain Eva Marissa Ahmad Ridzuan, 14, says that she is "grateful" for being able to win the gold in the International Cheerleading Cup 2024 and the bronze in the ICU World Cheerleading Championship 2024, held recently in Orlando, the United States, together with the Malaysian team.

“Competing on the blue mats in the US was a scary yet exciting experience. And being called up to the podium for not just one, but two competitions is the most memorable moment in my life,” she says.

While they may have been nervous, the 20 young cheerleaders (aged between 12 and 15) are all exuberant about their recent wins which took place at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida, in the United States on April 24-26 and April 28-29.

“I was so happy that I almost cried when they announced we'd won the gold in the International Cheerleading Cup,” says Lana Niesa Ahmad Faizal, 12.

“Walking the blue mat made me really nervous and scared, but I'm glad I got over the anxiety and enjoyed the routine,” adds teammate Ng Rae Ann, 12.

Getting third place at ICU World Cheerleading Championship 2024 wasn't a surprise to most of them, but they concurred that winning the gold in the International Cheerleading Cup 2024 was unexpected.

While getting third place at ICU World Cheerleading Championship 2024 wasn't a surprise to most of them, the cheerleaders concurred that winning the gold in the International Cheerleading Cup 2024 was unexpected. Photo: Team Malaysia Cheer

Ng and Maya Aryana Nor Syahrulnizam, 12, say that they felt “shocked and surprised but happy to get first place (gold) for the International Cheerleading Cup 2024 and Top Three (bronze) for the ICU World Cheerleading Championship 2024”.

“I really didin't expect us to win first place in the International Cheerleading Cup, I'm so glad to be able to experience it,” adds Wong Wee Shin, 15.

“I thought Mexico (who came in second) would win,” adds Lee E Ann, 13.

Both E Ann and Ariana Azlan Harris, 12, reveal that they "felt so privileged being able to compete and win, and sing Negaraku on the stage of the prestigious sports venue in the US.”

“The rush of adrenaline when we got called onto the stage was a life-changing experience and one I will never forget. So glad our hard work paid off.” adds Arianna Qarissa Mohd Suffian, 15.

Rosanne Loh, 15, adds that she's "really glad to experience this win with her teammates which they've worked so hard for, for the past 10 months".

TMYAG at an event in Kuala Lumpur.

The girls say they're happy to make Malaysia proud, and grateful for the camaraderie with their team, but sad that the event has come to an end.

Aidi Julianna Rasurina Aiddie Azhari, 12, says she "is thankful they can make Malaysia proud by winning the gold".

“These past 10 months have been amazing but also went by so fast. Without the two coaches, it wouldn't have been such an amazing team and we're thankful to be chosen to represent our country,” she says.

“We did our very best and all our hard work paid off. We're so glad to make Malaysia proud. It's a dream come true to be on this world stage and perform for our country,” adds Alaina Sara Kamarul Azman, 13.

"I really appreciate the support I've been given these past few months and I want to thank my amazing parents, coaches, and teammates for the support and effort they've put into the team to make all our dreams come true," says Aidi Helena Rasuriah Aiddie Azhari, 14.

“I'm forever grateful to have the chance to go up onto the podium with the team and I couldn't have asked for a better team to share this moment with. I'm so thankful to those whom I've gotten close to, who have become my friends, and who have always been there for me,” says Lee E Nin, 15.

“This cheer season with TMYAG2 has been the best experience ever. I'm so grateful for the people I've met throughout this journey, especially my teammates,” adds Ngo Wei Ru, 14.

“After 10 months of training, TMYAG2 has come to a close. We're glad to win but sad to see it end because we've had so much fun,” conclude Maya Aryana, Lana Niesa, and E Ann, in unison.
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Malaysia's national youth cheerleading team share how they felt competing, and winning, in two international competitions.