KUALA LUMPUR – “In everyone’s life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit,” wrote Nobel Peace Prize winner, Albert Schweitzer.
For me, and for countless others, the late Azraai Khor was that flame, that guiding light in the often tumultuous world of sports journalism.
With just under seven months into my journey as a sports journalist, coach Azraai became not only a valuable source of insight but also a mentor and a friend whose absence will be profoundly felt.
Despite my novice status in the media industry, he treated me with the utmost respect, readily sharing his candid opinions and insights on both the Malaysian national team and Kedah FC, often answering my calls in just one ring without hesitating or even thinking twice, as if I were his own son.
I’ll never forget the invaluable advice he shared with me, like pearls of wisdom scattered along the path of my fledgling career.
He taught me the importance of integrity in journalism, urging me always to seek the truth and never to compromise my principles for the sake of a headline.
He believed in me when others doubted, offering words of encouragement and guidance.
“Your words have power,” he would say. “Use them wisely, and always with sincerity.”
His compliments for my articles fuelled my passion for sports reporting, and his willingness to amplify my work on his social media platforms further cemented our bond.
Coach Azraai’s commitment to seeing Kedah FC thrive was unwavering, reminiscent of Jurgen Klopp’s transformative leadership at Liverpool, where opportunities were given for players to shine and excel.
His crowning achievements with Kedah FC, notably securing back-to-back trebles in the 2006/07 and 2007/08 seasons by battling some of the titans at the time such as Selangor FC, Terengganu FC and Negeri Sembilan FC, solidified his status as a legendary figure in Malaysian football.
His knack for nurturing talent was evident in players like Ahmad Fauzi Saari, Marlon Alex James, Mohd Khyril Muhymeen Zambri, Baddrol Bakhtiar, and Nelson San Martin, all of whom he always tells me that he took pride in developing.
Throughout our conversations, he always expressed his desire to see the glorious days of Kedah FC return.
Beyond his coaching prowess, Azraai was a beacon of unity, effortlessly conversing with me in my mother tongue, Tamil, showcasing his multiracial embrace and respect for diverse cultures.
As I reflect on the moments shared with coach Azraai, from late-night phone calls to impromptu interviews, my heart aches as it took me nearly two days to digest and realise that he’s no longer with me.
The news of his passing hit me like a thunderbolt, leaving me reeling with grief and disbelief. How could someone so full of life and vitality be taken from us so suddenly?
But amid the sorrow, I find solace in the memories we shared and the lessons he imparted. Coach Azraai may no longer walk beside me, but his spirit lives on in every word I write, every game I cover, and every life I touch.
He taught me the true meaning of resilience, perseverance and above all, love – love for the game, love for one another, and love for life itself.
As I bid farewell to my dear friend, my mentor, my father figure, and a champion of my work, I take comfort in knowing that his legacy will endure for generations to come.
Rest easy, coach, knowing that your light will never fade, and your spirit will never be forgotten.
Until we meet again on the fields of eternity, may you find peace in the embrace of the beautiful game you loved so dearly. – February 11, 2024
Sandru Narayanan is a sportswriter for Scoop