IN a testament to the enduring bonds forged in the crucible of primary school, two lifelong friends have seamlessly transitioned from childhood playmates to dynamic badminton partners.
Their journey, marked by a shared passion and countless hours of training, has now led them to the professional realm, where they not only excel as a doubles team on the court but also find themselves collaborating in the same corporate arena.
The dynamic duo – Dymphna Simon and Bibiana Mourus, both 21 – whose camaraderie has stood the test of time, seamlessly blending the worlds of friendship, sportsmanship, and professional success.
“When we enter a competition, we always aim for gold.
“It will help us strive to do better,” Dymphna told Buletin Mutiara after attending the Penang State Sports Incentive Scheme (Skimas) incentive award presentation ceremony in Komtar today.
Dymphna added that Bibiana was her childhood friend, and her classmate since primary school in Sabah.
Bibiana said that both Dymphna and herself could only train on weekends as both of them are working on weekdays.
“We came to Penang, and now we are working in the same factory in Bayan Lepas as operators,” she said.
Representing Penang, Dymphna and Bibiana won gold in the badminton women’s doubles at the Malaysian Deaf Sports (SOPMA) held in Kuala Lumpur from Dec 3 to 7, last year (2023).
Dymphna also won gold in the women’s singles competition; while Bibiana and another player Tan Yoong Hoong, 30, took home bronze in the mixed doubles competition.
They were among 11 athletes who were awarded incentives under Skimas from the Penang government.
All 11 athletes share a common experience of hearing impairment.
Dymphna received RM6,000 under Skimas for her achievements, while Bibiana took home RM2,750. Tan was awarded RM750.
Another recipient Nurdamia Mohamad Yusoff, 14, received RM8,700 for winning one gold, one silver and two bronze medals from her athletics events.
She clinched gold in the women’s individual 800m race; silver in the women’s individual 400m race; and two bronze medals in the women’s individual 1,500m race and women’s 4x400m competition respectively.
This was Nurdamia’s first SOPMA competition.
Meanwhile, 19-year-old Nurul Husna Mohamad was rewarded with RM7,200 for winning gold in the women’s individual 1,500m race; silver in the women’s individual 800m race; and bronze in the women’s 4x400m competition.
“I am now working in a shop selling kuih bahulu in Jawi, Penang. Balancing my work responsibilities with training has become a crucial aspect of my routine.
“I will find time to train daily to sustain and enhance my stamina,” she said.
Other athletes who also received the incentives were Aidil Iqqram Safry; Nur Alieya Shafiena Abdul Halim; Evonne Cheah; Iyad Muhaimin Irrwardy Irwan; Muhammad Alif Asyraf Mohd Rashid; and Muhammad Salihin Muhammad Junaiddin.
In a triumphant address, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow expressed gratitude and pride as he commended the outstanding achievements of Penang athletes at the SOPMA 2023.
Acknowledging the unwavering spirit and dedication of the athletes representing Penang, Chow extended heartfelt congratulations, thanking them for bringing honour to the state on this remarkable occasion.
In the athletics and badminton events, Penang athletes demonstrated excellence, clinching four gold, two silver, and six bronze medals.
Chow attributed this success to their perseverance, discipline, and fiery determination showcased throughout the competition.
“Their spirit of perseverance and dedication has not only brought glory to Penang but also serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes across the nation,” he said during the incentive award presentation ceremony.
In recognition of their achievements, Chow announced that the state would disburse a total of RM32,600 under Skimas to the 11 deserving athletes.
“This allocation serves as appreciation for their accomplishments, elevating Penang’s reputation on the sporting stage.
“Their success is a testament to the potential that lies within our state, and this incentive is a token of our gratitude for their hard work,” Chow added.
Highlighting the broader significance of this triumph, the Chief Minister emphasised that Penang’s success not only fills the state with pride but also strengthens the sporting spirit nationwide.
“It stands as evidence that with unwavering effort and steadfast commitment, no dream is beyond reach,” Chow said.
Expressing gratitude to all involved parties, including organisers, coaches, sports officials, and supporters, he credited their collective efforts for the seamless execution of SOPMA 2023, culminating in this momentous victory.
“The success of SOPMA is a result of the collaborative efforts of many dedicated individuals.
“We appreciate their hard work and commitment to promoting sports excellence,” Chow stated.
State Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen also congratulated the athletes for their success.
“Their achievements reflect the potential and sportsmanship of Penang athletes.
“The Penang government actively promotes increased youth involvement in sports. Through various programmes and initiatives, the state government is committed to creating an environment that nurtures sporting interests and provides opportunities for youths to thrive in physical activities and athletic pursuits,” he added.
Also present were Penang State Sports Council (PSSC) director Harry Chai, state Youth and Sports Department director Mozakir Buyong Mokhtar, and Penang Deaf Sports Association president Kung Tze Zern.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar
Video by Alissala Thian