Sacrifice pays dividends for Rabiatul

POWERLIFTER Nurul Rabiatul Adawiyah Bakri sat for her PT3 examinations a week early to ensure she put in a strong performance at the Kuala Lumpur Asean Para Games (Para KL2017).

And it paid dividends as she clinched a commendable silver medal in the under-41kg class at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) yesterday.

The Asean Para Games debutant managed a lift of 38kg to finish second to winner Nur Jannah Kamsyah Karem (Indonesia) who managed 71kg.

The student of SMK Dato Permaksuri in Miri said the medal made her sacrifices all worthwhile.

“I felt quite rushed taking the PT3 exams early but I believe I did well thanks to the support I received from everyone, especially my family,” said the 15-yearold, who is one of the youngest competitors at Para KL2017.

“This medal means a lot to me, especially after all the hard work I put in. I will continue to train hard and improve myself as I want to win more for Malaysia at a higher level.”

National head coach Adam Jamil admitted that he was surprised by Rabiatul’s performance.

“We did not expect her to win a medal, especially with her being so young,” said Adam. “But her desire and determination to succeed saw her through.

“This is definitely a good sign as this is her first international level competition. She has the potential to go far.” Helmi Talkah