Four national pole vaulters forgo Hari Raya celebrations to compete in Taiwan, viewing their participation as a patriotic duty and a different kind of celebration.
WHILE the nation prepares for Hari Raya Aidilfitri, four of Malaysia’s top pole vaulters are on a different mission.
Muhammad Naufal Shahrul Afzam, Muhammad Hafidzul Ain, Nor Sarah Adi and Noor Shahreen Jamizan will compete at the 2026 Taiwan International Pole Vault Championship and the Nantou-Sun Moon Lake Pole Vault Invitational Championship from March 22 to 25.
For national record holder Nor Sarah Adi, missing the festivities is a familiar part of elite sport.
“For me as an athlete, not celebrating Raya is normal and that is the sacrifice if we want to be national athletes,” she said.
“Even though it is not Raya, I will still do my best there because for me it is the real Raya.”
Muhammad Naufal expressed sadness at missing his first family Raya celebration but remains focused on his goals.
“I feel a little sad not being able to celebrate Raya with my family for the first time,” he admitted.
“But I am doing all this because I want to achieve what I set out for.”
He added that his parents supported the sacrifice, suggesting they could celebrate together upon his return.
National coach Roslinda Samsu confirmed the athletes were mentally prepared for this scenario.
She said the competition dates were known since December and the squad unanimously agreed to participate.
“So for me there was no problem mentally because they had already set a target to participate in this tournament and were preparing to do their best,” Roslinda stated.
