AS a child living in Bayan Lepas near the Penang International Airport, Faris Harizan had to borrow hockey sticks to play as his taxi driver father could not afford them.
Yesterday, he was flying high as captain of the men’s field hockey, who won the SEA Games gold for the 16th time to continue Malaysia’s domination.
For the 21-year-old, the 3-0 final win over Singapore was a stepping stone in a change of fortunes for his family.
His father Harizan Ariffin has never failed to support the son’s dream of becoming an international player although he did not earn much as a cabbie.
Faris recalled his childhood when he had borrowed hockey sticks to play matches and when he asked his father for an expensive graphite hockey stick (worth RM1,000) at the age of 14.
Harizan, despite his hardship, managed to buy him one.
“This is my first international gold medal and this is what I can give to my family, especially my father,” said an emotional Faris, the youngest of Harizan’s three sons.
“My father encouraged me to play hockey since I started at the age of six. He used to come and watch me play despite being busy trying to earn a living.
“During the Covid-19 pandemic, he was unable to earn as a taxi driver and went to work as a lorry driver to put food on our table.
“I don’t have to borrow hockey sticks anymore but I will never forget my father’s sacrifices.
“I want to become an established hockey player and earn enough to support my family. It is my turn to look after them.”
However, Faris had Amirul Hamizan Azahar to thank for keeping the gold with Malaysia.
The Speedy Tigers defender played a stellar role in guiding the national junior squad to their first success since being assembled six months ago.
Amirul, 23, not only marshalled the defence but also scored two crucial goals at the Morodok Techo National Sports Complex, although Singapore tried gamely throughout the match.
Amirul, one of four senior players – the others being goalkeeper Zaimi Mat Deris, midfielder Najib Hassan and striker Ramadan Rosli – opened the scoring by deflecting Shahmie Irfan Suhami’s penalty corer attempt into goal in the 16th minute. The player from Juru in Penang then converted a penalty stroke in the 38th minute.
Alfarico Lance Liau Jr scored the third with a beautiful reverse stick shot from the top D in the 48th minute.
Amirul said the match was a matter of pride as they had to keep Malaysia’s proud tradition in SEA Games field hockey.
“The main reason we are here is to help the youngsters learn. As one of the seniors, I had a big responsibility,” he said.
“However, the final was different as most of the team lacked experience playing in a big match. I had to play for long spells to steady the defence and in the end, we managed to achieve our target,” he said.
The victory also eased the pressure on Malaysia after their failure to win the men’s and women’s indoor gold medals.
The junior team will now move on to compete at the Junior Asia Cup in Salalah, Oman, from May 23-June 1 where the target is to reach the semi-finals.
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