Shuttler who excels in studies

Badminton junior Chew Mei Lien has proven that sports is not an obstacle to studies. 

The 18-year-old Chew, who played for Selangor in last year's Sukma and other age group competitions, won the Golden Award at the Selangor Schools Sports Council Excellence Awards last week.  

Chew Mei Lien (centre) posing with her mother Tan Hooi Eng and father Chew Gim Hye after receiving her award.

Last year, she helped Selangor win a silver medal in the team event in Sukma. She was also a member of the Malaysian team for the Asean schools championships. Malaysia won a silver medal in the team event. Chew and her partner Penang's Chang Hun Pin won a bronze medal in the mixed doubles category. 

Besides excelling in badminton, Chew also scored 10As in the SPM examinations last year. Chew, currently doing her A Levels at the Tumasek Junior College in Singapore on an Asean scholarship, said: “I am happy that my efforts have been appreciated.  

“I have been playing badminton since I was 10 years old. I had to divide my time between studies and badminton. This recognition makes up for all my sacrifices.''  

Chew, who received the award from the Education Ministry's director-general Datuk Dr Ahamad Sipon, trains three times a week with her college's badminton team.  

“I will still play in college competitions for two years. During that time, I will not be playing in local competitions in Malaysia. However, in winning this award I want to thank all those who have played a part in helping me in my studies and badminton,'' said Chew. 

Badminton junior Tan Boon Heong and golfer Ainil Johari Abu Bakar were named Sportsboy and Sportsgirl of the Year respectively. Both of them were not present to receive their awards as they were involved in competitions. 

Squash player Tan Yan Xin and badminton player Zulfadli Zulkifli were voted Most Promising Sportsgirl and Sportsboy respectively. 

The Selangor Education Department also honoured teachers who had played a role in promoting and developing sports in schools. 

Selangor Education Department sports unit head Mohamed Latiffi Abu Bakar said without the contribution from teachers, athletes could not have become champions in events organised by the Malaysian Schools Sports Council (MSSM). 

“We want to motivate the teachers. We want them to continue their good work and help groom athletes for the state and country,'' added Mohamed Latiffi. 

SELANGOR SCHOOLS SPORTS AWARDS 2005 – ROLL OF HONOUR 

Best schools: SMJK Katholik (Secondary ); SJKC Yuk Chai (Primary) 

Most Promising Sportsgirl: Tan Yan Xin (squash - SJKC Chen Moh) 

Most Promising Sportsboy: Zulfadli Zulkifli (badminton- SK Damansara Utama) 

Special awards: Izarin Lee Sumar Lee (powerboat- SK Putrajaya 3, Precinct 16); Zuriani Khalid (lawn bowl- SMK Datuk Kamaruddin, Hulu Selangor. 

Sportsgirl of the Year: Ainil Johari Abu Bakar (golf- Bukit Jalil Sports School) 

Sportsboy of the Year: Tan Boon Heong (badminton- Bukit Jalil Sports School) 

Special Education: Tuan Faisal Tuan Hamat; Zuliani Haron 

Golden Award: Chew Mei Lien (badminton - SMK Damansara Jaya) 

Excellent Service Award: Hashim Kamaruddin, Shamsul Azha Md Yusof, Mohamed Fahmi Alias, Siryati Abdul Manan, Muning Mohamed Yusoff, Salehar Yaakop, Kalsom Abdul Hadi, Chang Siap Beng, Hashim Kadir, Misnan Maswan, Sarmin Shabani, Mohamed Othman Aius, Aziyan Abu bakar, Mohamed Salwai Ismail, Abdul Rahman Md Noor, Kamaruddin Ahmad, Hamidah Amin, Ong Kee Sun, fahrur Razi Idris, Tan Chin Chin, Sa'ari Abdul Hamid, Loon Kuan Chong, Peter Too, Zainudin Che Sab, Ayub Mahmudin, Mohamed Nazam Mohamed Nor, Mohamed Rozaini Surif, Azani Masri, K. Balakrishnan.