'I used my own allowance': How Faiz built Perlis into Sukma kings

In Kajang, Perlis' weightlifting team celebrated their fourth consecutive victory at the Selangor Malaysia Games (Sukma), defending the title they won in Sarawak two years prior. Coach Faiz Musa expressed his gratitude for achieving four gold medals, two silvers, and one bronze, despite the numerous challenges faced along the way. The gold medals were earned by four athletes: Nurqalida Umirah Abdullah, Nurul Aisyah Athirah Mohd Nadzim, Muhammad Aimran Syahir Roslin, and Fitrah Nur Afaf Zahraa Shahid.

Faiz Musa, who took over as coach in 2010 after representing Perlis in previous Sukma events, emphasized the importance of hard work and persistence in reaching this success. He highlighted that his experience observing the progress of other states during his competitive years since 2002 inspired him to develop the Perlis weightlifting program. Musa mentioned that initial constraints, such as budget limitations, led him to personally use his allowance and work to source and prepare equipment for the athletes.

The journey towards this achievement was not without obstacles, including financial constraints, but the program gradually gained momentum. Perlis clinched gold at the 2012 Sukma, and the talent development program was strengthened further in 2018. Musa acknowledged the criticisms and trials faced throughout the process but expressed his gratitude for the team's collective effort, including the coaches, athletes, and supporters who contributed to the success.

This accomplishment is a testament to the hard work of everyone involved, not just one individual. Musa concluded by emphasizing that the success belongs to the entire team.