LONG before they wore the national colours, they were simply children of Sarawak.
They grew up in different corners of the state – from bustling cities and quiet towns to rural communities nestled deep in the interior.
Yet despite walking a different path, they remain united by the values they carry with them whenever they step onto the sporting stage.
As Sarawak Day is celebrated, four national athletes reflected on the lessons, perspectives and sense of belonging their home has instilled in them – values that continue to guide them as they represent Malaysia.
Humility at the heart of Hazirah’s success
National bowler Nur Hazirah Ramli has always viewed Sarawak as the place where her sporting aspirations first took shape.
The Kuching-born athlete said growing up in Sarawak taught her to remain grounded and appreciate the process behind every achievement.
“Growing up in Sarawak taught me to stay humble and appreciate every opportunity.
It also showed me the importance of resilience and hard work because success doesn’t happen overnight,” she said.
Hazirah added that the unwavering support from her family, coaches and the local bowling community gave her the confidence to pursue the sport seriously.
“Sarawak will always be where my journey began.
The support from my family, coaches and local bowling community gave me the confidence to pursue the sport seriously.
Their belief in me continues to motivate me whenever I compete,” she said.
Finding strength in Sarawak’s diversity
For Miri-born national squash player, Harith Danial, growing up in one of Malaysia’s most multicultural states has shaped the way he sees both sport and people.
The two-time SEA Games gold medallist said being surrounded by different ethnic groups, languages and traditions taught him to value diversity and embrace perspectives beyond his own.
“My upbringing in Sarawak taught me to appreciate diversity and respect people from different backgrounds.
Sarawak is a very multicultural state, with many different ethnic groups, languages and traditions living together in harmony,” he said.
Harith said learning to make the most of limited resources during his younger years also became an important life lesson.
“Compared to bigger cities, there were fewer sports facilities and opportunities, so I had to make the most of every chance to train and compete.
“This taught me to be resourceful, disciplined and to never take opportunities for granted,” he said.
Growing at her own pace
National discus thrower, Queenie Ting Kung Ni, credits her hometown of Sarikei for giving her the freedom to grow without feeling pressured to measure herself against others.
She said life in a smaller town allowed her to focus on what mattered most at the time – her studies, her training and steadily becoming a better version of herself.
“I’m from Sarikei, Sarawak, a small town with a slower pace of life.
During that time, I was able to just focus on school and training without comparing myself to others,” she said.
Queenie added that the experience serves as a reminder that every athlete’s path is different and worth embracing.
From rural Belaga to the national stage
Jonathan Nyepa, a member of Malaysia’s national record-breaking 4x100m relay quartet, said growing up in Uma Badeng, Sungai Koyan, Asap, Belaga, taught him lessons that continue to shape his outlook as an athlete.
Coming from a small rural community taught him gratitude, perseverance and the importance of never taking anything for granted.
Life in a rural community meant we had to appreciate what we had and work hard for every opportunity,” he said.
“Growing up in Uma Badeng, Sungai Koyan, Asap, Belaga taught me resilience and gratitude.
The 30-year-old hopes his story will encourage young athletes from rural communities to believe that where they come from should never define how far they can go.
“Coming from a small rural community in Belaga, I wanted to show that your background does not determine your future,” he said.
Their stories may have begun in different corners of Sarawak, but they remain connected by something far greater than sport.
Long before they became national athletes, they were shaped by the people, places and values they call home.
Whether in victory or defeat, those lessons continue to travel with them – a quiet reminder that no matter how far they go, a part of Sarawak goes with them.
