Have faith in Fathiah as the tiny lass has big plans for Sukma
KUALA LUMPUR: Hurdler Nur Fathiah Najwa Azman is a young girl but one with a big ambition.
The 14-year-old will be up against seniors much older but undeterred, she has set up a bold target – to win a medal in her first Malaysia Games (Sukma) in Johor next year.
The Ipoh-born athlete took up 100m hurdles two years ago and showed her immense potential when she clocked 14.98 to bag silver in the girls’ Under-15 in the National Schools (MSSM) athletics championships in Johor Baru last year.
She is the only woman trainee in the state training programme for Sukma.
Fathiah said she wanted to make her presence felt as the solo representative.
“It has taken two years for me to improve my techniques to clear the hurdles but I relish the challenge,” said Fathiah.
“I am quite pleased with my performance as I managed to win a silver in my first MSSM last year.
“I was looking forward to winning gold in this year’s edition in Seremban in April but the event was cancelled due to Covid-19,” she said.
Fathiah, who trains under coach Mohd Hisham Mustaza Ibrahim, hopes to surprise the older hurdlers in Johor.
“I have about eight months to prepare as I bid to beat my seniors to finish on the podium. I’ve set a target of clocking 14.50.
“I hope winning a medal in Sukma will be the starting point for me to become the national champion in six years time.
“I want to replace Raja Nursheena (Raja Azhar), who has been the women’s 100m hurdles national champion for the last few years,” added Fathiah, who bagged golds in the Under14 80m hurdles and 200m hurdles in the Little Athletics Championships in Gambang, Pahang last year.
Coach Hisham said Fathiah has the potential to be a good hurdler.
“She has done quite well in competitions at her age. There is a strong possibility for her to spring a surprise in Sukma,” said Hisham.