From motorbike accident to Sukma champion, lifter Qistina shows true courage

Emotional triumph: Qistina Qharisya Suffia Mohd Muzani posing with her gold medal. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star

KAJANG: Qistina Qharisya Suffia Mohd Muzani broke down in tears after lifting Perak’s first weightlifting gold at the Malaysia Games (Sukma) yesterday.

Her overwhelming emotion was understandable as it was her first major tournament after suffering a serious hand injury in a motorcycle accident almost a year ago, with her doctor even advising her against competing.

The 21-year-old, however, defied her doctor’s advice to set new Games records en route to winning the women’s below 48kg category at Dewan Seri Cempaka in Kajang.

Qistina cleared 72kg in the snatch and 82kg in the clean and jerk for a total score of 154kg.

As the below 48kg class is new for this edition, replacing the old below 49kg category – her scores are categorised as new Games records.

Terengganu’s Nur Arrissya Nadia Nor Wardi came in second on 144kg (63kg, 81kg) while Pahang’s Nur Dania Nasyiha Abdullah’s 130kg (55kg, 75kg) secured her the bronze.

The 21-year-old Qistina said it was a meaningful victory personally.

Her career nearly came to a tragic end last year after she suffered serious injuries to her right hand in a motorcycle accident.

“The accident happened in September last year. My scaphoid was fractured and the ligaments were almost severed.

“The doctor told me I could no longer compete and advised me to stop weightlifting, but I was determined to get back to my best. I was supposed to undergo an operation, but I decided to put it on hold.

“I continued to train despite the pain and needed painkillers, so I am grateful to be able to win the gold today, especially as this is also my final Sukma.

“I wanted to do it for my team and my family. This victory is also for them as they have continued to support me.”

It is the second Sukma gold medal for Qistina, who also won the below 45kg class in Sarawak two years ago. The category has since been discontinued.

She added that it was not an easy process to get ready for Sukma as she struggled to gain weight to compete in the below 48kg class this year.

“I ate a lot and consumed a lot of protein shakes but somehow despite all this, my weight stayed the same. Mentally, it was a challenge to compete and meet the expectations.”