Double duty for Terengganu’s Muhammad Shah Jeh’an and Farid Redzuan

KUALA TERENGGANU: From the weightlifting training centre since their school days to sharing the same classroom at Universiti College TATI (UC TATI), Muhammad Shah Jeh’an Syamsul Bahri and Farid Redzuan Mohd Zaubidi shoulder a double challenge as full-time students and full-time athletes.

Their mission is clear – to complete their studies within the stipulated time while chasing gold at the Malaysia Games (Sukma) Selangor, which starts on Aug 15. For both, this edition marks a final appearance, making the pursuit even more meaningful.

“It’s not easy to balance classes and training while also competing in numerous tournaments since the first semester. But we are grateful for UC TATI’s flexible learning system, which allows us to finish our studies on time without postponement,” said Muhammad Shah Jeh’an, a silver medallist in the 80kg category at this year’s National Junior Championships.

His teammate and Diploma in Sports and Recreation classmate, Farid Redzuan, echoed the sentiment.

“We’ve been through ups and downs together in Sukma training for years. We have only one dream – gold. Sukma Selangor is our last chance to prove to our families, coaches, and everyone that the sacrifices were worth it.

“For me, this could be the final chapter of my sporting journey,” said Farid Redzuan, a silver medallist in the 60kg category at the National Championships earlier this year.

Terengganu will field 16 lifters – eight men and eight women – in the weightlifting competition scheduled from Aug 16 to 20 at Dewan Seri Cempaka, Hulu Langat.

Terengganu stunned the field at Sukma Sarawak two years ago when Muhammad Izzan Ismadi broke the national record en route to gold in the men’s 96kg category, while Nur Alissa Sofea Mohamadnor Wardi clinched gold in the women’s 71kg with a total lift of 166kg (71kg snatch, 95kg clean & jerk).

The squad closed the campaign with four golds and two silvers, a feat that now fuels their drive for glory in Selangor.