HAFIFI MANSOR

A SENSE OF DUTY

“Qualifying for the Olympics places a huge amount of responsibility on my shoulders as well as other athletes. I’ve been showered with great faith and I will do my best to make Malaysia proud.”

REPRESENTING MALAYSIA

“Every athlete aspires to perform on the world stage, especially in the Olympics. To qualify for the Rio Olympics was joy beyond words. I am endlessly grateful because it is a culmination of years of effort to achieve this. The hardship paid off in my pursuit of this dream.”

INVIGORATING MALAYSIAN PATRIOTISM

“I’m proud to be born a Malaysian and to bear the expectations of performing in my sporting event. Playing in the Games is a meaningful moment for national athletes who get to don the jersey and play for their country.”

OLYMPICS AS A LIFE CHANGER

“I failed to qualify for the 2012 Olympics due to an injury, but with the support and prayers of my family, friends and coach, I did not give up. The Commonwealth Games in Scotland was my platform to Rio and since then, there’s no turning back. I started from the beginning and qualifying for the Games did not get to my head, instead I am thankful that my success will inspire the younger generation.”

KEEPING THE PRESTIGE ALIVE

“Malaysian athletes are always tormented as not being on par with international athletes. This mentality should be quelled as it extinguishes the spirit in us athletes. The government is changing that perception by improving the quality of national sports with techniques and programmes to shape better athletes. A sports syllabus has been introduced to develop the talent and abilities of young students. Finally, retired athletes should be provided with coaching positions within the national sports governing bodies.”