Johor to Launch Khabib Gym as Part of Regional Sports Hub Ambitions

The initiative to establish an international standard Khabib Gym Johor in Johor Bahru gained momentum in October and November. The meeting with former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov and a special lunch hosted by the royal family have created new prospects for the development of sports in Johor. 

With Khabib’s presence confirmed for the groundbreaking ceremony of the gym next month, enthusiasm has spread throughout the state.

Groundbreaking Planned in October

At the October meeting, Johor Chief Minister Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said that plans have been made to develop Johor as a regional sports hub by establishing Khabib’s gym. He said it will not only be a training center but also a place to build character and values. 

He expressed hope that this high-quality collaboration will elevate Johor to the international level. He sees Khabib’s presence as an honorable recognition of the state’s sporting future. He also believes that this initiative will help produce more champions in the future.

Royal Lunch in November

The November lunch was attended by Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim and Che’ Puan Mahkota Khalida, where Khabib was given a special welcome. Johor’s top officials were also present, including sports ambassador Lee Chong Wei and Sony’s Bill Williams. 

The meeting deepened the cooperation between the two parties and solidified future plans. The discussion resurfaced on the topic of youth development programs and the creation of world-class training facilities. Khabib’s undefeated career has made him the inspiration for the project.

Goals and Future Plans

Khabib said that his long-term goal is to create world-class training facilities in Johor. Therefore, from the October meeting to the November lunch—both phases take the project forward. 

Since he retired with a 29-0 record, his presence will serve as an inspiration to the youth. The Johor government also believes that the center will open up new horizons for developing regional talent. So this is not just a gym but the beginning of a sports movement.

Watch the video here.

@onnhafiz

Menjunjung kasih setinggi-tinggi penghargaan kepada Duli Yang Amat Mulia Tunku Mahkota Ismail, Pemangku Sultan Johor, atas perkenan berangkat menyempurnakan Majlis Pecah Tanah Johor Khabib Gym di Tunku Mahkota Ismail Youth Centre (TMIYC), Iskandar Puteri. Syukur Alhamdulillah, majlis ini turut diserikan dengan kehadiran lagenda seni bela diri campuran (MMA) dunia, Khabib Nurmagomedov, yang hadir bersama kita untuk menyaksikan detik penting dalam membina masa depan anak muda dan ummah Johor. Untuk makluman, tapak pembinaan Johor Khabib Gym terletak di kawasan strategik TMIYC Iskandar Puteri, dengan keluasan kira-kira 37,000 kaki persegi, dan dijangka siap pada tahun 2028. Fasiliti bertaraf antarabangsa ini mampu menampung sehingga 1,000 orang pada satu-satu masa, menjadikannya antara pusat latihan dan kejohanan terbesar serta paling berprestij di rantau ini. Direka mengikut piawaian dunia, Johor Khabib Gym akan dilengkapi dengan kemudahan moden termasuk gelanggang kejohanan, pusat kecergasan, gym profesional serta kehadiran pelatih daripada Khabib Team. Saya amat yakin bahawa pembangunan ini bukan sahaja menyediakan ruang latihan, tetapi menjadi pemangkin kepada lahirnya lebih ramai juara dari bumi Johor dimana juara yang bukan sekadar hebat di gelanggang, tetapi membawa martabat ummah, bangsa dan negara ke persada dunia. Insya-Allah. Allah Peliharakan Sultan
Allah Berkati Johor #BangsaJohor #MajuJohor #XtifJohor #JohorKhabibGym

♬ original sound – Onn Hafiz – Onn Hafiz

More from Wake Up Singapore:

Malaysian Government Considering New Regulation on Online Games—For Children