Faris stands a chance to win two golds
THREE years ago, Mohd Faris Ahmad Azri did not even know how to hold a badminton racquet properly – let alone play the game.
Now, the 23-year-old heads into the Kuala Lumpur Asean Para Games as a potential gold medallist in two events of the badminton competition, which will be held at the Axiata Arna in Bukit Jalil from Sept 18-22.
He will play in men’s singles and doubles ( with Ahmad Effendi Razman) in the SU5 category (for those with upper body impairment).
“I was a student at a centre for the disabled in Bangi in 2014. I was learning how to make batik,” said the Kelantan shuttler, who was born with a deformed left arm.
“In September that year, coach (Moe Chin Kiat) came to our centre to look for badminton players. I thought that a change would be good, so I signed up and began full-time training.
“I had never held a racquet before that. It was tough in the beginning.
“I took part in the 2015 SEA Games in Singapore but I didn’t fare very well because I was inexperienced. I had to be satisfied with a bronze medal in the doubles (with Effendi).
“My left hand is weak. I have to pick up the shuttle, serve and play with one hand. Now, I’m used to it.”
Faris also admitted that badminton has changed his life.
“I was just a kampung boy from Pasir Puteh. There were not many opportunities for disabled people there. I earn RM1,500 per month as a full-time athlete now.
“I send RM1,000 back and keep RM500 for myself. I spend it on food and to change my racquet strings sometimes. There’s nothing much left for shopping.
“It’ll get better for me when I compete in the Paralympics one day.
“That’s my dream. We have to go through hard times to enjoy a better life later,” he said.
Chin Kiat attributed Faris’ meteoric rise to his dedication in training.
“He is one of the most improved shuttlers in the team. He has worked himself up to become a strong player.
“He is determined and I believe that he’s our future,” said Chin Kiat.