KUALA LUMPUR – In the world of competitive athletics, possessing a relentless drive to outshine one’s rivals is a prerequisite.
Yet, for national bowler Nur Hazirah Ramli, the pursuit of excellence goes beyond the scoreboard – it is a journey of self-mastery that has set her apart as a beacon of inspiration.
Hailing from Kuching, the 20-year-old Sarawakian sensation, who boasts two gold medals from last year’s Malaysia Games (Sukma), has embraced a philosophy where true success is measured by surpassing one’s limits.
Hazirah’s every strike is more than just a collection of collapsed pins, it signifies a victory in her unwavering commitment to greatness, earning her a spot representing Malaysia at the IBF (International Bowling Federation) Youth World Cup.
Speaking to Scoop, Hazirah shared that her competitive mindset, the driving force behind her sporting prowess, took root in her formative years, inspired by none other than her father.
“I got exposed to this sport when I was nine years old through my father, who always brought me to watch his league games at Megalanes Batu Kawa.
“I always looked up to him and the way he played, he has been my inspiration since my younger days,” she said.
From those early days, Hazirah set ambitious self-goals, aspiring to become one of the country’s best bowlers within a decade.
She said her journey has been marked by relentless dedication and a robust training regimen of five sessions a week
“During my training, I began to believe more in myself, competing with myself through hard work, as I’m a firm believer that hard work beats talent.
“I always see myself as my competitor. I can’t control all the other talented bowlers out there, and the only way for me to be on par with them is by consistently competing with myself and striving to improve every day,” she added.
Hazirah said she also draws inspiration from Malaysian bowling stalwart Sin Li Jane, expressing her hopes of emulating her idol’s success.
Sin Li is a well-known figure in the local bowling scene, with a track record of winning four National Championships (2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023), five gold medals at the SEA Games (2013, 2015, 2017, and 2019), and three silvers at the Asian Games (2014 and 2018) in both the women’s doubles and women’s team categories.
As Hazirah prepares for the upcoming IBF Youth World Cup in Lima, Peru, from January 19-26 in the girls’ open and team event categories, she remains grounded, looking forward to the tournament one game at a time.
Acknowledging the formidable competition, especially from powerhouses like South Korea, Japan, and Singapore, she remains confident in her hard work and improved strength and conditioning.
“I will be giving my 100%. I have confidence in myself after joining the national camp for pre-season training in March, as my strength and conditioning have improved a lot.
“My competitive attitude has brought me all the way here and I don’t want to be overconfident and overambitious, I’m going to keep my feet on the ground and just bowl and enjoy the tournament,” Hazirah added.
Other than her successes at Sukma, Hazirah also secured victory in the Gen Z (Under-25) category of the Junior International All-Stars at Sunway Megalanes last week.
She finished ahead of South Korea’s Kim Bo-ah with 2163-2141 pins, while Hazirah’s compatriot Gillian Lim finished third with 2123 pins.
It marked her fifth international title of the year, having also won the youth division of the Malaysia Open, Thailand Open, and Kuala Lumpur Open. – December 22, 2023