TWO teenagers from Permatang Pasir in Penang have been selected to represent Malaysia in the FIVB U19 Beach Volleyball World Championships 2022 in the women’s competition.
They are Farwizah Aina Ahmad Nizar, 18, and Nur Auni Maisarah Shamsul Rizal, 15.
This year’s championships will be held in Turkey from Sept 14 to 18.
Farwizah Aina said they are very excited to join the prestigious tournament.
“We have been making the necessary preparations, such as by training regularly two times per day in the morning and the evening.
“We do our training at a special place near our school (SMK Penanti) and the public beach in Batu Ferringhi.
“We know the world tournament will be very challenging as it will be participated by formidable teams around the world.
“The weather also could pose a challenge to our style of play.
“Nevertheless, we will not easily give up and will do our best to make the state and the country proud. That is our promise,” Farwizah Aina told Buletin Mutiara during a press conference at Permatang Pasir constituency service centre in Kubang Semang, Bukit Mertajam.
Also present was Permatang Pasir assemblyman Muhammad Faiz Fadzil.
Muhammad Faiz said he is proud to see the two teenagers from Permatang Pasir as Malaysia’s representative in the coming tournament.
“Both of them also have vast experiences and have joined various competitions prior to this, such as Sukma (Malaysia Games), SEA Games and the Commonwealth Games.
“So, I believe they can make the state and the country proud during the tournament.
“And I would like to wish them the best of luck,” he said.
Muhammad Faiz added that Farwizah Aina and Nur Auni’s participation in the beach volleyball competition at the highest level could also spur other youths to take up the game.
“Thus, we can unearth the talents from the young generation through beach volleyball,” he said.
During the press conference, Muhammad Faiz also gave RM750 to Farwizah Aina and Nur Auni to help them in their preparation for Turkey.
Story and pix by Riadz Akmal