BANGKOK: After Malaysia’s 4-1 win over Laos, midfielder Ahmad Haziq Kutty Abba was ruled out for the remainder of the SEA Games due to a hamstring injury.
He could have returned home to begin his recovery and rehabilitation.
Instead, the 21-year-old chose to remain in Thailand, standing with his teammates even when he was on crutches.
Being the team’s unofficial cheerleader proved worthwhile.
The Harimau Muda’s journey in Bangkok ultimately ended on a high note when Malaysia clinched bronze with a 2-1 victory over the Philippines at the Rajamangala Stadium on Dec 18.
Even on crutches, Haziq was among the first to embrace his teammates after the final whistle.
He even donned the full team kit, a moment reminiscent of John Terry’s famous full-kit celebration after Chelsea’s 2012 Champions League triumph despite being suspended for the final.
“One of the reasons I wanted to stay was to be with the team, to feel like I was still part of them and to experience the SEA Games atmosphere, even though I couldn’t play,” said Haziq.
“At the beginning, I was very emotional. But over time, this injury made me realise many things.
“I see it as a setback that will help me come back stronger. This is my first big injury in my career, so maybe it is a phase that will make me stronger.”
Haziq also credited the strong support system around him for keeping his spirits up.
“One of the reasons I stayed strong is because of ‘abang’ (international Syamer Kutty Abba). He always has my back, texting me every day, checking on me, giving advice and doing many things behind the scenes that people don’t see,” he added.
Haziq is now back in Malaysia and it may take a month or two before he plays again. However, the memories of the SEA Games will keep him going for those months.
