By Muhammad Zulkarnain Mohd Azman
KUCHING, Aug 16 (Bernama) -- Just after winning the 2024 Malaysia Games (SUKMA) women’s singles gold medal here today, Terengganu lawn bowler Nur Ain Kemilia Sukri was filled with grief as she remembered the various trials and tribulations she had gone through and the loved ones who are no longer around to share in her joy.
Though in tears, the 21-year-old Kuala Ibai, Kuala Terengganu native was still grateful for having a team who always had her back and provided her with the support she needed both mentally and physically to be where she is today - a SUKMA gold medallist.
“Two years ago, before the SUKMA in Kuala Lumpur, my mother (Karniza Abdul Ghani) passed away due to cancer. This year, I lost my uncle (Mohd Shapawi Abdul Ghani), who I was very close to.
“That’s why I was determined to win the gold for them… and for Terengganu. I also wanted to create a meaningful victory as this will be my last SUKMA outing,” she said when met after the women’s singles final.
Earlier, in the final, Nur Ain defeated Selangor’s Nur Najla Damia Mustakim 20-11 at the Lawn Bowls Arena here today.
Meanwhile, Nur Ain hopes the gold medal she won today would lead to a national call-up as “it’s always been my dream to represent the country in the sport”.
“I have nevere been called up to represent the country but, if there is an opportunity this time, I will grab it with both hands.
“It’s every athlete’s dream to represent their country,” she said.
-- BERNAMA