Dad travels far to watch son go the distance
JOHOR BARU: Shahrin Hassan travelled hundreds of kilometres to the National Sailing Complex in Langkawi just to support his son Naquib Eiman in the sailing event.
The 53-year-old self-employed Shahrin said this was the second time he had watched Naquib Eiman, 18, in action although the teenager has been involved in the sport for about 10 years.
Shahrin said the travel was worth it as he witnessed his son successfully defend the gold medal in the men’s sailing International 420 event.
He said Naquib Eiman had participated in many international sailing competitions but he could not be there all the time.
“Usually, I would follow his achievements through the media. The first time I ever watched him in a tournament was at the last SEA Games in Singapore where he won gold.
“This time around, as the event was held in Langkawi, I did not want to miss it. My son wanted his family by his side and give him extra support,” he told The Star.
Shahrin had the utmost confidence that Naquib Eiman, the youngest of nine siblings, could defend his gold medal but could not help feeling jittery while watching from the stands at the National Sailing Complex in Langkawi.
“I told him before he went out to sea that he has been training hard with the best partner (Muhammad Uzair Amin Mohd Yusof ) and equipment for many months, but what he needed to do was pray that everything goes smoothly.
“His prayers were answered as he performed exceptionally well to win the gold and meet the Malaysia Sailing Association target,” he said.
Thailand took the silver and bronze.
Naquib Eiman was only eight when Shahrin enrolled him in a sailing programme in Pasir Gudang.
Shahrin stressed that his son, like many other children, was into football but soon his interest in sailing grew and he was selected to represent the state before representing Malaysia.
“We hardly get to see him as he takes part in tournaments in Europe, India, and even Qatar, but my wife and I are very proud of him as he has a very good track record in sailing.
“As parents, we must always be supportive of our children both in sports or education. Our support can encourage them to achieve anything,” he said.