Every Weakness Has A Silver Lining, Says Para SUKMA Best Male Athlete

KUCHING, Sept 29 (Bernama) -- "There is a silver lining to every weakness."

Those are the words that Best Male Athlete of the 2024 Malaysia Para Games (Para SUKMA) Shahafiq Abdullah holds onto as he remains determined to pursue his passion for swimming, despite being born with a physical disability.

Speaking to Bernama, he expressed surprise at being crowned 'Sportsman of the Games' in the Land of the Hornbills, saying that the award serves as a positive indicator for him to continue progressing in his cherished career towards the international stage.

Shahafiq said that if the opportunity arises, he is ready to make his debut at the 2025 ASEAN Para Games in Thailand. 

"I’ve never been part of the national squad, but my name was shortlisted for national duty before.

"My target, along with my coach, is to prove my capabilities at the ASEAN Para Games. I don’t want to be overconfident, but I aim to win a medal," he told Bernama after receiving the Best Male Athlete Award at Stadium Perpaduan yesterday.

The Best Female Athlete award went to Pahang's recurve archer Loh Chi Hui.

Shahafiq won six medals (four golds, one silver and one bronze) and broke four national records, while Chi Hui set one national record with four gold medals. Both athletes took home RM2,000 each in cash prizes and trophies, presented by Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh.

In addition, Shahafiq encouraged 'special athletes' like him, who wish to venture into sports, not to be ashamed and to remain steadfast in chasing their dreams.

Dreaming of one day competing in the Paralympics, he also cited national para swimmer Abdul Halim Mohamad as his idol, motivating him to continue striving as an athlete.

Meanwhile, Chi Hui hopes that her outstanding performance at this year’s Para SUKMA will boost her confidence to compete in future international championships.

"For national games, I hope to join and achieve good results moving forward," she said.

-- BERNAMA