{
  "id": 2287477,
  "title": "'I used my own allowance': How Faiz built Perlis into Sukma kings",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/21/i-used-my-own-allowance-how-faiz-built-perlis-into-sukma-kings",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-21T03:02:57.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/sports/others/2026/08/1515785/i-used-my-own-allowance-how-faiz-built-perlis-sukma-kings"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.\n\nFaiz 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.\n\nThe 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.\n\nThis 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.",
  "summary": "KAJANG: Hard work over the years has paid off for Perlis after the state successfully defended their overall weightlifting title at the Selangor Malaysia Games (Sukma).",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}