Malaysia’s gymnast Farah Ann Abdul Hadi performs in the floor exercise final during the SEA Games at Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila, Philippines yesterday. IZZRAFIQ ALIAS / The Star. December 4, 2019.
PETALING JAYA: Olympian Farah Ann Abdul Hadi (pic) is ready to take on a new set of responsibilities as she gets ready to lead the Malaysian contingent at the Asian Youth Games in Bahrain as chef de mission (CDM) next month.
The former national gymnastics queen, who was appointed CDM for the Games in Manama from Oct 22-31, is honoured to take on the role.
“I’m grateful to be named as CDM. It’s a true honour to be leading a contingent,” said Farah.
“It’s a new set of responsibilities, and I’m up for the challenge in this new career path.”
The Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) said the appointment was made in collaboration with the National Sports Council (NSC) to give a young and dynamic leader to take charge.
“I’m thankful to NSC and especially OCM for giving me this opportunity. It will be an exciting journey to see the Games as a whole,” she said.
“I’m excited to share my experiences on and off the field with the young athletes to help motivate and guide them in some way.
“But most importantly, to cheer them on and support them.
“When I was younger, competing was exciting but daunting when it came to big competitions, so I hope I’m able to assure our athletes to do their best,” said the 31-year-old.
Farah is no stranger to competing on the big stage, having won 12 medals at the SEA Games, seven gold, two silver, and three bronze medals across four editions in 2011, 2015, 2017, and 2019.
Farah also competed at the Commonwealth Games in 2010, 2014, and 2018, as well as the Asian Games in 2014 and 2018.
Her career reached its pinnacle when she became the fourth Malaysian gymnast to compete at the Olympics when she qualified for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
After being involved in artistic gymnastics for over two decades, Farah stepped away from the sport in March 2022.
“I’m thankful for all that gymnastics had given me, and I hope to share that with the next generation.
“I hope I was able to inspire the next generation of young athletes during my competing days, and now, under this role, I hope I can make sports a safe environment to be enjoyed by all,” she added.
