An ace on the court
Bookworm Nur Azwan proves his quality as a shuttler
BOOKWORM Nur Azwan Noorlan is ready to start a new chapter in his para badminton career.
The 25-year-old, who only took up the sport seriously a year ago, has qualified for the quarter-finals in his first Asean Para Games badminton competition at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil.
He won his second men’s singles WH2 match in Group B by beating Anibal G. Pereira of Timor Leste 21-2, 21-4 yesterday.
The win has virtually assured Azwan of a place in the last eight, with one more group match to go today.
The wheelchair-bound Azwan, who studies at Kolej Universiti PolyTech Mara in Kuala Lumpur, hopes his international debut will be the launchpad for many more good results.
“I could not have asked for a better start than this,” said the second-year Teaching English as Second Language (TESL) student.
“I called up the Paralympic Council of Malaysia (PCM) last year as I was interested to play badminton.
“They connected me to national coach (Moe Chin Kiat).
“I attended training and started playing competitively and next thing I know I was selected for the Para Games.
“Having hereditary spastic paraplegia is a challenge. I was born normal but something went wrong with my nerves from the waist down. I walk with a limp now.
“This disability has not stopped me from doing the things I like.
“So far, playing badminton has been the most exciting thing for me. I have big ambitions.
“I want to qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics.”
Azwan also said that he had no problems balancing between studies and sports.
“I also love reading all kinds of books.
“For now, I’m hooked on Skulduggery Pleasant. It’s about the world of magic,” he said.
“My university is also very supportive. Our vice-chancellor (Prof Datuk Dr Nasir Saludin) was here (at Axiata Arena) to support me.
“Many of my university mates are also volunteers here.”