Para SUKMA: Dad Lectured Ahmad Syahir To Glory

KUCHING, Sept 26 (Bernama) -- Perak table-tennis player Ahmad Syahir Mohd-Kamal Saupi might not have been able to enjoy success at the 2024 Malaysia Para Games (Para SUKMA) if not for the coercion of his late father about 15 years ago.

Ahmad Syahir, who defended the men's singles TT10 (physical disability) gold, admitted that he was not interested in table-tennis at first sight and it took him two years to fall in love with the sport.

"My father used to tell me to play ping-pong when I was just 12 years old. Since I was disabled, he wanted me to engage in sports so that I would be braver to keep bullies at bay.

"I had no choice after being forced by my father. At first, I was not keen but when I started playing and entering tournaments regularly, I became more and more interested, much so after losing because that made me more determined to improve my game," he told Bernama.

The 27-year-old athlete said that over time he realised that his late father's coercion had paid off, as he successfully represented the country at the 2018 Para Asian Games in Indonesia.

"Father also often lectured me that if you want to do something, do it until you succeed. If you can't, try again," he said.

Earlier, Ahmad Syahir confirmed the gold in his category by taking 27 minutes to defeat the Sabah representative, Gujile Gandila, 11-7, 11-5, 9-11, 13-11 in the competition held at SKJC Chung Hua No. 3 here.

The Kuala Kangsar-born player, who suffered from Poland Syndrome with his right hand shrivelled from birth, said he was never discouraged by his physical handicap and considered himself a normal human being.

The employee at a pharmacy in Kuala Kangsar said he was also ready to return to the national squad if his services were still needed.

Ahmad Syahir, who idolises Chinese champion Ma Long, said he had to quit the national squad after participating in the 2018 Asian Para Games when he wanted to focus on his studies at a private higher education institution in Shah Alam a few years ago.

Meanwhile, Johor player Amri Biman won bronze in the men's singles TT10 event here by beating Ismail Hassan from Johor, 17-15, 11-4, 11-5.

-- BERNAMA