Former national singles player Soniia Cheah and para badminton talent Daphne Ng took centre stage at Malaysia's World Badminton Day celebration, inspiring young players with stories of resilience, determination and a shared passion for the sport.
The event brought together badminton enthusiasts of all ages to celebrate the game's growing influence while encouraging greater participation among the younger generation. Soniia and Daphne were among the featured speakers, using their personal experiences to highlight the values of perseverance and hard work.
Source: Utusan Malaysia
Soniia reflected on the challenges she faced throughout her playing career, encouraging aspiring athletes to stay committed even when results do not come immediately. She stressed that setbacks are part of every sporting journey and should be viewed as opportunities to grow rather than reasons to give up.
Daphne, who has emerged as one of Malaysia's promising para badminton players, shared how determination helped her overcome obstacles in pursuing her sporting ambitions. She urged young participants to believe in their abilities and never let circumstances define their potential.
Beyond celebrating the sport's achievements, the World Badminton Day programme also aimed to promote inclusivity and community engagement. Activities throughout the event encouraged participants to experience badminton in a fun and accessible environment while strengthening appreciation for the game.
Organisers hope initiatives such as World Badminton Day will continue to inspire more young Malaysians to take up badminton, whether recreationally or competitively, and help nurture the next generation of players.
With role models like Soniia and Daphne sharing their journeys, the celebration served as a reminder that success in badminton is built not only on talent, but also on resilience, discipline and the courage to keep chasing one's goals.
