Once excluded from PE, now a national athlete: Meet Singapore’s only female national wheelchair rugby player

Nur Sabrina Suhaimi, a 25-year-old Singaporean, battles a rare genetic neurological disorder called Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, which causes progressive muscle weakness and loss of sensation. This condition initially made it difficult for her to walk and perform simple tasks like gripping items or buttoning shirts. Determined to lead an active life, she found solace in wheelchair rugby, a sport once known as murderball due to its physical nature.

Each team consists of four players, and the game is characterized by collisions and the clang of wheelchairs against each other.

Sabrina, Singapore's sole female national wheelchair rugby player, initially faced resistance from male teammates due to her gender. However, as she proved her skills and intensity on the court, they began to respect her. Her journey from a physically limited child to a national athlete is inspiring. At five, she began walking slower than her peers, and by her teens, she had lost function in both ankles, leading to foot drop. It wasn't until her mid-teens that she was diagnosed with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.

In 2024, Sabrina suffered a fracture in her ankle after a fall, leaving her wheelchair-bound for a year. This setback could have derailed her dreams, but instead, it led her to a new passion. After joining an inclusive swimming class, she was introduced to wheelchair rugby by a coach who happened to be a former wheelchair rugby coach.

Now, she trains three times a week, working on her strength, conditioning, and technical skills. Sabrina is classified as a high pointer, meaning she has more functional abilities and is responsible for scoring and carrying the ball. Despite the risks of falls common in the sport, the supportive community around her helps her recover quickly, allowing her to continue playing and representing Singapore in international tournaments.