Dad’s feat a Raya beast!
Starsport wishes readers Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri
AFTER a Covid 19-disrupted schedule which she likens to a ‘roller coaster’, bowler Siti Safiyah Abdul Rahman gets to enjoy some quality time with her family on Hari Raya. There’s something new to whet her appetite – her dad has now conquered the kitchen, and is trying out a rendang recipe.
PETALING JAYA: National bowler Siti Safiyah Amirah Abdul Rahman remembers the excitement when she went on a roller coaster ride at the Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi 10 years ago.
The Malaysian team had just completed their outing in the 2011 Asian Championships in the United Arab Emirates and Siti Safiyah had won a silver medal in the women’s doubles with Jacqueline Sijore.
They went on Formula Rossa, the world’s fastest roller coaster, and it was thrilling.
“We went to the theme park after the hard work at the Asian meet to celebrate. It was fun those days,” recalled the former world champion Siti Safiyah, who has traveled all over the world and had won many titles since winning the Malaysian Open at the age of 14.
In fact, she became the first Malaysian to win a professional title after emerging as the winner at the Wichita Open, which was part of the Professional Women Bowling Association (PWBA) Tour.
Now, the 30-year-old is experiencing a different kind of up-and-down ride, which is taking the joy out of bowling.
“The bowlers are now back at home and can’t train at the alley. We have stopped and restarted a few times over the last one year – like a roller coaster. It’s not fun for everyone,” admitted Siti Safiyah.
After a long break, the bowlers did get the approval to train at the alley but a few Covid19 positive cases in the team have sent the whole group straight back to home under quarantine.
Fortunately, the alley is opened for bowlers although the mall is closed under a special arrangement made during the movement control order but the bowlers can only return after the quarantine period is over.
Siti Safiyah said the coaching staff led by chief coach Holloway Cheah had been doing all they could to keep the spirits high.
“Coach Holloway always sends encouraging and motivational words in our chat group. He tells us to chin up, so that’s nice. We just try to train at home,” said Siti Safiyah, who has not competed in any international tournament since January last year.
“We may not have any competitions until the Hanoi SEA Games in November and the Asian Championships in January. I just can’t wait get back to bowling again,” she said.
While waiting, Siti Safiyah can enjoy some quality time with her family, especially her dad’s cooking. Both her father, Abdul Rahman, and mother, Faudziah, were bankers but they have retired from their jobs.
“My dad has now conquered the kitchen, but my mum is fine with that. For this Hari Raya, my dad is trying out a new rendang recipe, so that’s nice,” added Siti Safiyah, who wished her fans Selamat Hari Raya.