Malaysia's martial artist shares their favorite local sporting heroes

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.