Young Bowling Star Qurratu’ain Juggles Studies And Sports With Grit

SEPANG, Aug 4 (Bernama) — Since joining the national squad in January, young bowling sensation Qurratu’Ain Izdihar Mohd Pozi has faced multiple challenges — from adapting to intensive training and meeting podium targets set by her coaches to preparing for the 2025 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia examinations.

However, the Selangor-born athlete showed remarkable resilience by wrapping up her campaign at the Asian Under-18 Junior Bowling Championships in Doha with five gold medals — her best achievement since taking up the sport at age seven.

“Alhamdulillah, I’m very grateful and can’t believe I managed to win five out of Malaysia's seven gold medals because all the events were tough. But with the help of my coaches, I stayed consistent and focused on my game. My family also always supports me.

“For me, the most difficult part is balancing studies and tournaments because it’s currently trial exam season. So after winning these gold medals, I want to focus on both academics and training for competitions,” she told reporters upon arrival at Kuala Lumpur International Airport today.

Qurratu’Ain Izdihar said she and her teammates underwent intensive training for two hours every morning and two hours every evening without a break for two straight weeks before flying out, to build their physical and mental endurance ahead of the tournament.

She described her success as not just a personal triumph but also a token of appreciation for everyone who supported her, especially her family and coaching team, who believed in her talent and helped her reach this point.

Asked about her hopes of competing in the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand, the 17-year-old admitted it was every athlete’s dream, though her name has yet to be shortlisted.

Instead, she is set to compete in the Asian Youth Championships later this month at Sunway Megalanes, and hopes to maintain the momentum she gained in Doha.

“I hope to be selected for the SEA Games, but for now, the focus is on training. Insya-Allah, if possible, I want more gold,” she said.

Malaysia won seven golds, one silver and five bronze medals at the Asian junior bowling championships in Doha, the country's best performance in the history of the tournament.

— BERNAMA