NATIONAL para-cyclist Nur Azlia Syafinaz Mohd Zais was recently named Paralympic Sportswoman at the Penang State Sports Awards 2023/2024.
The Penang-born athlete from Bagan Jermal had previously won the same accolade at the Penang State Sports Awards 2019–2022.
At just 27, she was also nominated for the National Paralympic Sportswoman Award for the third time at the National Sports Awards 2024 in Kuala Lumpur recently.
Nur Azlia’s cycling talent first shone at the 2017 ASEAN Para Games in Kuala Lumpur, where she partnered with Noraidillina Adilla J. Sam to win gold at the National Velodrome Malaysia.
Her success didn’t stop there. She emerged as the top contributor for the Malaysian contingent at the Games, clinching four gold medals and one silver — a performance that earned her recognition under the Sports Victory Reward Scheme (SHAKAM).
At the 2018 Asian Para Games in Jakarta, she delivered another stellar performance, bringing home three gold medals.
“Alhamdulillah, at that championship I managed to contribute my first-ever gold medal for the country, and it will always remain a sweet memory for me,” she told Buletin Mutiara in a recent interview.
However, behind the glory, Nur Azlia Syafinaz shared a painful experience when she suffered a pelvic injury after a fall during training at the Nilai National Velodrome, Negeri Sembilan.
“It took me about six to eight months to recover. I was really scared because the training was meant for the Asian Para Games (2018). I feared I would be dropped and lose the chance to contribute medals. But with faith, trust, and giving my best, I succeeded,” she recalled.
Her resilience paid off. At the 2019 Asian Para Track Championships in Indonesia, she claimed three gold medals.
The second of four siblings continued her momentum by improving her personal best at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games at the Izu Velodrome, despite a nerve-wracking incident that saw her rushed to a medical centre due to breathing difficulties.
Alongside her pilot Nurul Suhada Zainal, she went on to defend the women’s three-kilometre pursuit gold medal at the 2023 Asian Track Cycling Championships (ACC2023) in Nilai.
Although she only completed six laps after qualifying for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, her determination has not wavered.
“The most important thing is never to give up. As long as we train, we will achieve success. We must also believe in our own abilities, that we can achieve something if we keep working for it,” said Nur Azlia, who unwinds by listening to music or watching dramas.
Her daily routine includes morning exercise, balanced meals, and strict discipline in training.
“Meals must be balanced, rest must be sufficient, and most importantly, we must maintain self-discipline and give full commitment to every training session,” she explained.
Looking ahead, she has a packed calendar for 2025, starting with the UCI Para-Cycling Road World Championship in Ronse, Belgium, from Aug 28 to 31.
“Next year at the Asian level, there will be the 2026 ASEAN Para Games in Thailand and the 2026 Asian Para Games in Nagoya, Japan.
Of course, I have set my hopes on qualifying for the Los Angeles Paralympic Games 2028, God willing, if I am blessed with the opportunity,” she said.
Above all, Nur Azlia remains grateful to those who have stood by her throughout her journey.
“I’m truly thankful to my pilot, Nurul Suhada, who has taught me so much.
“I also appreciate my coach, mechanic, and team who have given me invaluable support, especially during training and competitions.
“Most importantly, my family, who have sacrificed time and energy, and always supported me from my school days until now.
“Without them, I would never have achieved such meaningful success and gained these invaluable experiences in my life,” she concluded.
Pix courtesy of Nur Azlia Syafinaz Mohd Zais