Shuttler Shahzan sees glitter ahead despite losing partial vision

SHUTTLER Shahzan Shah Misfahul has, literally, an eye on the prize.

The Terengganu boy, who lost partial vision in one eye seven years ago when a shuttlecock smashed by an opponent hit his right eye, said he was on the brink of hanging up his racquet.

One can only imagine how difficult it was for a 14-year-old to return from such a massive setback. Shahzan even had to leave the national set-up after the accident.

“But my then coach told me that I would regret doing so. He said I had sacrificed so much for badminton, so it would be a waste to give it all up,” said Shahzan.

“I couldn’t play like I used to and I kept on missing shots. It took nine months of training and rehab to slowly get back to playing normally.

“I had to relearn everything again from scratch and go back to the basics.”

Despite the disability, Shahzan has moved on to evolve into a formidable player.

He still aspires to be a national player one day and win international titles.

“Of course I still want to win, but mostly it’s because this is the sport I love, and if I don’t enjoy it, there is no point in me playing.

“I also look at Lee Chong Wei, that he started to make a name for himself after the age of 21. So it’s not too late for me and I hope I can achieve much more in the coming years.”

And he’s keen to start with a gold at the Games here.

He showed his ability by defeating Johor’s Sim Wee Peng in straight games 21-16, 21-16 in the first round at the Perak Badminton Arena yesterday.

But he faces a mammoth task in the next round, as he has to beat national player and world No. 73 Leong Jun Hao.

“It’s my first time meeting him in a tournament, and even though he is two years my junior, he’s a national player who trains full time.”

“But I feel much more spirited playing him and I’m satisfied with my performance at the moment. So hopefully, I can keep it up against him (Jun Hao),” said Shahzan, who is coached by badminton legend Rashid Sidek.