Huge motivation: S. Kisona posing for a photograph with the Matrix Concepts shirt during the sponsorship ceremony.
PETALING JAYA: Independent shuttler S. Kisona has received a timely financial aid to boost her race to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Property developer Matrix Concepts Holdings Bhd has stepped in to end her financial woes by contributing RM100,000 for the world No. 48.
Kisona, who has struggled with injuries since her junior days and more so after undergoing a knee surgery, left the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) last December to focus on her recovery but standing on her two feet without much support had not been easy.
The 24-year-old was grateful for the large monetary support and said it had rekindled her passion to continue with her sports journey.
“I want to thank my father (A. Selvaduray) because he was the one who approached Matrix on my behalf. We’ve been looking for sponsors since I’ve left BAM,” said Kisona.
“I am honoured and humbled to receive this sponsorship from Matrix.
“Their willingness to help is like a new hope and motivation for me to continue my career.
“Hopefully, I can show better results very soon,” said Kisona, who is aiming to break into top 20 standing in the world.
The 2019 Philippines SEA Games gold medallist has fully recovered from her injuries and is currently training under coach and former international doubles player Mohd Zakry Abdul Latif.
Kisona admitted that training with her male teammates had been challenging but believes she will benefit greatly.
“The training sessions are quite solid and tough because all of my teammates are men. I have to cope with their speed and power,” she said.
“We rarely sparred with outside players under BAM, but now I get to spar with different players.
“It is an advantage and a different experience because I’ve gained a lot of exposure,” added Kisona, who will be competing in the Swiss Open in Basel, Switzerland, next Tuesday.
Datuk Seri Lee Tian Hock, the founder of Matrix Concepts Holding Bhd, said he was happy to extend support.
“I’ve known Kisona since she won at the SEA Games and I was surprised when I saw her letter because I had no idea that she had left the national body,” he said. “Apart from this sponsorship deal, which covers her tournament expenses, I have also given her a complimentary membership for her to train at the Sendayan Badminton Club, which is owned by Matrix.
“Anything good for the country, I’ll definitely give my support,” said Tian Hock.
