JOHOR BARU: Shahrin Hassan travelled hundreds of kilometres
to the National Sailing Complex in Langkawi just to support his son Naquib
Eiman in the sailing event.
to the National Sailing Complex in Langkawi just to support his son Naquib
Eiman in the sailing event.
The 53-year-old self-employed Shahrin said this was the
second time he had watched Naquib Eiman, 18, in action although the teenager
has been involved in the sport for about 10 years.
second time he had watched Naquib Eiman, 18, in action although the teenager
has been involved in the sport for about 10 years.
Shahrin said the travel was worth it as he witnessed his son
successfully defend the gold medal in the men’s sailing International 420
event.
successfully defend the gold medal in the men’s sailing International 420
event.
He said Naquib Eiman had participated in many international
sailing competitions but he could not be there all the time.
sailing competitions but he could not be there all the time.
“Usually, I would follow his achievements through the media.
The first time I ever watched him in a tournament was at the last SEA Games in
Singapore where he won gold.
The first time I ever watched him in a tournament was at the last SEA Games in
Singapore where he won gold.
“This time around, as the event was held in Langkawi, I did
not want to miss it. My son wanted his family by his side and give him extra
support,” he told The Star.
not want to miss it. My son wanted his family by his side and give him extra
support,” he told The Star.
Shahrin had the utmost confidence that Naquib Eiman, the
youngest of nine siblings, could defend his gold medal but could not help
feeling jittery while watching from the stands at the National Sailing Complex
in Langkawi.
youngest of nine siblings, could defend his gold medal but could not help
feeling jittery while watching from the stands at the National Sailing Complex
in Langkawi.
“I told him before he went out to sea that he has been
training hard with the best partner (Muhammad Uzair Amin Mohd Yusof) and
equipment for many months, but what he needed to do was pray that everything
goes smoothly.
training hard with the best partner (Muhammad Uzair Amin Mohd Yusof) and
equipment for many months, but what he needed to do was pray that everything
goes smoothly.
“His prayers were answered as he performed exceptionally
well to win the gold and meet the Malaysia Sailing Association target,” he
said.
well to win the gold and meet the Malaysia Sailing Association target,” he
said.
Thailand took the silver and bronze.
Naquib Eiman was only eight when Shahrin enrolled him in a
sailing programme in Pasir Gudang.
sailing programme in Pasir Gudang.
Shahrin stressed that his son, like many other children, was
into football but soon his interest in sailing grew and he was selected to
represent the state before representing Malaysia.
into football but soon his interest in sailing grew and he was selected to
represent the state before representing Malaysia.
“We hardly get to see him as he takes part in tournaments in
Europe, India, and even Qatar, but my wife and I are very proud of him as he
has a very good track record in sailing.
Europe, India, and even Qatar, but my wife and I are very proud of him as he
has a very good track record in sailing.
“As parents, we must always be supportive of our children
both in sports or education. Our support can encourage them to achieve
anything,” he said.
both in sports or education. Our support can encourage them to achieve
anything,” he said.
Source: The Star Online
