The selfless parents behind KL SEA Games’ gold winners
KUALA LUMPUR: Some parents are heavily involved in the success of their children. Some are more passive – they are quietly supportive behind the scenes.
It cannot be denied that parents play an important role in the success of national athletes.
Just ask Edward Khor and Hanifah Yoong. Their children – shooter Benjamin and water-skier Aaliyah – did well in the just concluded KL SEA Games.
Edward, 55, has invested a lot of time and money on his son Benjamin, who won the men’s individual double trap on the first day of the shooting competition at the National Shooting Range.
Benjamin is where he is now because his father made the difficult decision of sending him off to study and train in England.
“At times, one has to make difficult decisions,” says Edward.
“I had to send him to England last year so that he could get the best of both worlds – a good education and training for his shooting career,” said Edward, who used to be his son’s coach.
“There’s a lot of money involved and I have to be away from him too. But we have to let them go so that they can be better – that’s a selfless act.”
The 24-year-old Benjamin is pursuing an architectural degree at Portsmouth University in Hampshire, England.
At the same time, he also trains under 2000 Sydney Olympic gold medallist Richard Faulds at the Owls Lodge Shooting School to boost his chance of qualifying for next year’s Commonwealth Games in Australia’s Gold Coast.
Hanifah, whose 14-year-old daughter Aaliyah won the women’s overall gold, individual jump and individual tricks, believes that the last thing parents should do is to put unexpected pressure on their children.
“I’ve been lucky because all my children who took an interest in sports had the right ingredient – they just love sports,” said Hanifah, 69.
Besides Aaliyah, his other children – Adam, Aiden, former Formula One driver Alex Yoong and Philipa – are also involved in water skiing.
“As a parent, one must never show dissatisfaction if they don’t perform. As long as they try their best, we should stand by them. If not, they’ll stop enjoying the sport and it will become a burden to them.
“I’ve invested a lot of money and time on them. I’ve been a coach and a planner for them but sometimes a father must know when to let go.
“But it’s a joy to see your children winning honours for the country – that’s priceless.” he said.