It’s been a while since we last lifted the Thomas Cup.
I used to spend hours with my eyes glued to the television screen, cheering on our national shuttlers.
Like every other Malaysian, I watched each game with intense excitement, punching my fist in the air for every point our players scored.
And each time the Thomas Cup season comes around, we continue to hope: Let this be our year!
More than two decades on, I can only imagine the growing amount of pressure shouldered by our national players to end this agonizing wait.
To the cynics, the defeat to eventual-champions Denmark in the semi-finals last Friday was unsurprising.
Unlike other individual tournaments where we can rely on Datuk Lee Chong Wei to come out on top, winning a group tournament like the Thomas Cup is something else altogether.
There is talent and depth in the national squad, but still, when it really counts, we falter.
It’s not for lack of trying. So what gives?
At times I wonder if we will ever see Malaysian players lift the Thomas Cup trophy again.
Mind over matter?
More often than not, it’s those last few yards before the finish line that’s the hardest.
It’s no longer something physical, but sheer will and determination that separates true champions from the rest of us.
This rare quality determines whether one rises to the occasion in the face of adversity, or simply caves in. And the ability to choose the former over the latter resides in all of us. It’s a choice.
But day in, day out, tending to the demands of modern life, we’re bombarded by an unending flow of information and a myriad of choices.
This noise is non-stop and all around us; and it makes it even easier to lose sight of our true calling.
Do you do what you do just for the sake of a paycheck?
I find that when I’m doing things that really make me tick, it’s much easier to rise up to any challenge and see things through.
So take time out to reset your compass, and if I may borrow a line from Steve Jobs, ask yourself this: “What makes your heart sing?”
Cherish Leow
Mon May 23 2016
What gives?
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.