KULAI — As a sports fan, how far would you be willing to go to support the sport, team, or athlete you admire?
While spending money on merchandise or tickets is common, would you ride long distances on a motorcycle to attend every stage of Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL)?
For retired soldier Zamri Ali, the answer is yes. His dedication to the race is evident as he follows four stages, from stage three in Cameron Highlands to the finish of stage six in Kulai.
Residing in Kuala Lumpur, Zamri was unable to attend the seventh and eighth stages in Miri and Bintulu due to financial constraints.
However, his commitment is undeniable—he ensures he is at the start of each stage and follows the action until the finish line.
In total, Zamri has travelled over 500km on his motorcycle in just four days.
This is not his first time showing his passion for sports. He has consistently made similar efforts for various other events.
“I’ve loved sports since I was young, all kinds of sports. When I retired from the military, I used my free time to support Malaysian athletes in action.
“For LTdL, I’ve been following it for several years, and honestly, I’ve never felt bored or weary. There’s a joy that’s hard to explain when attending these events.
“I enjoy watching both the Malaysian riders and the international cyclists who come to compete in LTdL. The long motorcycle journey doesn’t bother me because I’m used to tough training from my military days.
“I’m also grateful that my wife fully supports my passion. Sometimes, I even bring her and my child to sporting events when I can,” Zamri told Scoop.
In addition to LTdL, Zamri frequently attends the Malaysia Open and Masters badminton championships, Sepak Takraw League, Malaysia Hockey League matches, and Super League games, especially those involving his home state of Kedah.
He attends all these events using his own money and asks for nothing in return, driven solely by his deep passion for Malaysian sports.
“I truly idolise Tok Mo (Mansor Abdul Khoni), a devoted fan of Malaysian sports. I aspire to follow in his footsteps by attending all the major tournaments involving Malaysia.
“Being a supporter requires commitment, but only those who genuinely support can experience the joy and satisfaction of witnessing the success of the Malaysian team,” he added. — October 7, 2024