Out to prove ’em wrong

Noor Rizah wants to show ‘mean girls’ that para athletes can make it to the top

GROWING up with a disability is hard enough. To face rejection from your peers makes it even worse.

But that was what fish-seller Noor Rizah Abdul Rahim experienced during her childhood days.

“Growing up was never easy, especially since I was born with a deformed hand, which was caused by a mishap during delivery.

“Because of that, some children would tease me when I was growing up in Melaka.

“I help my parents sell fish at the wet market. Sometimes, I would sneak out to play badminton.

“I love the sport and enjoy playing with my good friends.

Unfortunately, some girls would leave the court when it’s my turn to play.

“They felt that I wasn’t good enough to play with them. I felt unaccepted.”

Instead of wallowing in self-pity, it only fired her up to prove them wrong.

And now the 26-year-old is bent on winning the gold medal at the Kuala Lumpur Asean Para Games at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil next week.

“I’m now in the national team. Winning a gold medal (in the women’s singles SU5 category) will surely be a bonus. It’s one way for me to show those ‘mean girls’ that even a disabled athlete like me can make it to the top,” she said.

The plucky Noor Rizah also intends to “right another wrong” at the KL Games.

She made her debut at the 2015 Singapore Asean Para Games but lost narrowly in the final to a player from Thailand.

“I still remember that match. I lost 22-24 in the deciding game. It was heart wrenching.

“I’m all fired up to avenge that loss and go for gold,” she said.

“I wasn’t that prepared then, having only joined full-time training that same year.

“This time, I am stronger, better and more motivated.”

Noor Rizah hopes that her appearance in the Asean Para Games will spur more disabled women to pick up the sport.

“There are not many women shuttlers in the national team. But I have to admit that the training is physically hard. It’s the same like for able-bodied athletes. We do multi-drills for hours.

“The training centre in Kampung Pandan is open to everyone. National coach Ciku (Moe Chin Kiat) is waiting to train more athletes. The opportunity is there. I hope they’ll take it,” said Noor Rizah, who is one of six women shuttlers in the team of 26 for the KL Games.