Happy family: Rafiq and his wife Wan Nur Adzlin Wan Ahmad Ifafudin posing with Rafiq’s parents Ismail Nimat and Zaiton Abdul Ghani.
PETALING JAYA: Getting married would only make Rafiq Ismail stronger as a national bowler.
The 25-year-old, who recently won the Asian Championship Masters gold medal, got married to Wan Nur Adzlin Wan Ahmad Ifafudin on Wednesday.
Rafiq was a picture of happiness and calmness, just like his chirpy character off the bowling lane, in a ceremony attended by his loved ones, close friends and several national teammates.
And he believes married life would only make him stronger as a person and even as a bowler.
“I am married now. It’s a new phase in my life. I am looking forward to spending the rest of my life with my wife,” he said.
“I have known her for six years and finally we are married. She has been a very good motivator.
“She is always there whenever I am stressed, especially when it involves bowling.
“She understands me well. I believe with my wife by my side, I will always keep my mind positive in anything I do especially bowling.
“I must say I have added more special supporters besides my family.”
Rafiq had a successful haul in the Asian meet as he bagged four golds from the doubles, trios, team and Masters events and one silver (singles).
After years of being in the top three of the Asian Bowling Federation (ABF) rankings, he was also confirmed as the No. 1 in 2022, with 137 points, just two ahead of Australia’s Sam Cooley.
And with Adzlin by his side, expect more success to come Rafiq’s way in the years to come.
