SUCCESS is not about never failing, but having the courage to get back up every time you fall.
That resilience has been a key part of national netball player Siti Nur Hidayatul Akhma Suhhaimi’s journey.
“There was a period when I was dealing with an injury, and during that time, I felt my confidence and performance gradually decline,” the 20-year-old told StarEdu.
The experience made her realise that being an athlete takes more than physical strength. It also demands mental and emotional grit, especially when things do not go as planned.
“Whenever I feel overwhelmed or close to giving up, I remind myself why I started playing this sport in the first place,” she said, adding that this helps her regain her motivation and continue moving forward.
That determination has paid off for the Kuala Lumpur native, who was recently named the sole recipient of the Golden Award at the 2025 Education Ministry-Malaysian Schools Sports Council-Milo (KPM-MSSM-Milo) Awards.
At the award ceremony held in Bangi, Selangor, on July 16, she also received the MSSM Princess Award (Anugerah Puteri MSSM), a national recognition given to an outstanding female student-athlete in Malaysia.
Introduced in 1968, the KPM-MSSM-Milo Awards recognise students who excel in sports, as well as those who have contributed to the development of sports in schools.
“I feel incredibly proud and truly honoured to be the sole recipient of the prestigious Golden Award,” Siti Nur Hidayatul Akhma said.
A student at Bukit Jalil Sports School in KL, she is no stranger to the challenge of balancing academics with the demands of competitive netball.
“The biggest misconception is that student-athletes focus only on sports and do not take their studies seriously.
“In reality, we often have to work even harder because we are expected to perform well both in the classroom and on the court,” she said.
With a packed training schedule and frequent competitions, she has learnt to manage by communicating closely with her teachers about lessons, assignments or tests that she may miss.
The sport has also taught her that success is rarely achieved alone.
Over the years, Siti Nur Hidayatul Akhma has garnered a string of accolades, including a gold medal at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games, a runner-up finish at the 2025 Asian Youth Netball Championship, and gold at the 2025 Malaysian Educational Institutions’ Games.
“Netball has taught me that no one achieves success alone. Every achievement comes from working together, supporting one another and building trust within the team,” she said.
That belief in teamwork is something she has experienced firsthand under the guidance of her coach, Puah Pei San, who has played a key role in guiding the team to podium finishes at major competitions.
The Bukit Jalil Sports School netball coach first spotted Siti Nur Hidayatul Akhma’s potential when she was 16.
“She stood out among her peers through her strong ability to anticipate the game and make confident decisions independently on the court. These qualities elevated her performance within her age group,” she said.
Puah’s contribution on the sidelines has also earned her recognition at the 2025 KPM-MSSM-Milo Awards, where she received the Excellent Coach Award.
Puah believes that nurturing young athletes is about more than developing skills and producing winners. It is also about helping them grow into individuals with strong character, discipline, resilience, teamwork and respect.
“My athletes’ success is my success too. I always remind them that every achievement they accomplish is also a reflection of my success as a coach,” she said.
