REPRESENTING Malaysia has always been their dreams, but before their successful ONE Championship careers took off, Jihin Radzuan, Gianni Subba, and Saiful Merican admitted there were local sporting icons they had always looked up to.
Here are their picks.
Gianni Subba
To Subba, Malaysia’s top shuttler Lee Chong Wei has - and always will be - his top local sporting icon.
“Hmm, it’s a tough question, but I’d guess I have to go with Lee Chong Wei,” the ONE flyweight athlete said.
“Everyone would just tune into the television to watch his match, undoubtedly, he’s the greatest of all time.”
When asked how the former World Number One had inspired him throughout his martial arts journey, Subba replied: “Hard work”.
“Anyone at that level has put in a lot of hard work to reach there. I admire his courage and ability to handle the stress of being a champion and representing his country.”
Jihin “Shadow Cat” Radzuan
Jihin said 24-year-old national artistic gymnast Farah Ann Abdul Hadi has always been her idol.
“It’s not an easy sport, and it requires a lot of strength. But she keeps on proving the critics wrong,” the atomweight athlete said, of the four-time Southeast Asian Games gold medalist.
“I’ve always looked up to her, even before I started my journey because I’ve always idolized a woman with brain, strength, and talent.”
She added: “I don't know much about her, but I’ve read stories on her and I know she is a very tough character despite the criticism she has faced. Look at her? She’s still pursuing her passion now.”
Saiful “The Vampire” Merican
There are few names that pop up to The Vampire’s mind, but he said Malaysia’s Paralympic sprinter Mohamad Ridzuan Mohamad Puzi is his top pick.
“He was the first athlete to win a gold medal in the Paralympics event at the 2016 Paralympics in Brazil.”
“He has made us proud, and certainly have inspired me to believe that I can achieve more than what I work for.”
The 30-year-old Terengganu-born athlete said his ‘never give up’ attitude is one that every athlete should possess in their careers.
“He reminds us all that, disability is natural. We must stop believing that disabilities keep a person from doing something because that’s not true. Having a disability will never stop you from doing anything,” he determinedly said.
Astro Awani
Mon Feb 25 2019
Gianni Subba, Jihin Radzuan and Saiful Merican admitted there were local sporting icons they had always looked up to.
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.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.