The pinfalls stop – Syaidatul won’t be bowling them over anymore.
Bowler will roll with what’s coming after calling it quits
For 11 years, Syaidatul Afifah Badrul Hamidi has livened up Malaysian bowling with her beauty and zestful displays.
Syaidatul, who turns 29 next month, dropped a bombshell yesterday by deciding to bring the curtain down on an illustrious career that saw her medalled in every major international event, highlighted by the team triumph at the 2017 World Championships in Las Vegas.
Syaidatul tendered her resignation letter to the Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress (MTBC) yesterday, citing “exploring new career opportunities” for her decision.
But she was quick to stress that it was not an abrupt move.
“I have been contemplating about it for quite some time, way before the Movement Control Order (MCO),” said Syaidatul, who worked her way up to the first team in 2014 after joining MTBC as a youth bowler in 2009.
“I come to realise that I’ll not be bowling forever and I wanted to pursue a new career.
“I was in two minds but the three-month lockdown at home and being out of competition actually helped me to put things into perspective.
“I must admit it wasn’t easy because I’m still passionate about bowling.”
Syaidatul said she’s still unsure about what’s in store next but did mention she could venture into a business start-up.
In fact, Syaidatul has been making her presence felt on social media in the past two years as the key opinion leader (KOL).
With a fan base of 129,000 followers on Instagram, she’s currently endorsing several renowned brands including AirAsia and Puma.
“I’m grateful that my career as a national athlete throughout these years has opened the door to other opportunities. Being a KOL earned me some income on the side,” said
Syaidatul.
On her career, the 2015 Malaysian Open champion said her most memorable moment was helping Malaysia end their 10-year drought at the World Championships in 2017.
The others in the winning teams were Shalin Zulkifli, Esther Cheah, Sin Li Jane, Siti Safiyah Amirah Abdul Rahman and Natasha Roslan.
These six bowlers also dominated the 2015 Singapore and 2017 KL SEA Games.
At the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia, she also won the trios gold with Esther and Siti Safiyah.
“I think winning the World Championships gold has to be at the top of the list. The Asian Games too, as we delivered the first gold for the contingent,” she recalled.
“It means a lot to me to be part of the winning team. I have always been a team player even during my school days. I’m always extra pumped up when it comes to team spirit.
“My individual record wasn’t too bad actually. I won the 2015 Malaysian Open title, finishing third at the 2016 World Cup in Shanghai and even came close to winning the Professional Women Bowling Association (PWBA) title in 2016 when I came in third at the Wichita Open in the US.
“I just want to thank my teammates, coaches and my family members for their support and encouragement all these years. There are just so many good memories that I will cherish.”
MTBC secretary general Maradona Chok said: “Syaidatul’s decision came as a shock. And at a time of such uncertainties with the pandemic, it will make people think of their future more.
“It is definitely sad news to us, but we have a solid back-up squad which will see us through.
“That is why it is very important for MTBC to have a strong back-up squad. To fill the void and to ensure MTBC maintain the standard by delivering medals over the years.”