"C'MONNNNN bang Safaaaaa!" My voice echoes through the vibrant buzz of the Tun Razak National Tennis Centre in Kuala Lumpur. The arena is alive with the energy of the Skechers KL International Pickleball Tournament 2024, organised by the Kuala Lumpur Pickleball Association (KLPA). All around me, courts are abuzz with players locked in fierce competition across various categories.
From the sidelines, I cheer for my KL Patriots club teammate. The match is intense, and as I watch Safa Kelvin and his partner, Natalie Loke, trailing by a few points, my heart sinks with every missed shot. The noise of the crowd and the clatter of paddles create a cacophony, and I can only hope that my hearty encouragement cuts through the commotion.
As the players take a brief water break, I allow my gaze to wander across the arena. My attention is drawn to a flurry of activity on the opposite side of the court. There, among the crowd, I spot a familiar figure — Edward Chan, a respected figure in the country's pickleball community, walking alongside a woman in a wheelchair. Her paddle glints in the light, and they're surrounded by a mix of athletes on wheelchairs and able-bodied individuals.
"Ah, they must be the players for the mixed-ability category," I muse aloud, recalling the tournament's unique feature that pairs wheelchair athletes with able-bodied partners for a truly inclusive competition.
The sight is both inspiring and intriguing.
Determined to explore this further later, I shift my focus back to the court in front of me. Safa, who is also my teammate, with the number 88 proudly emblazoned across the back of his jersey, is battling hard in the mixed doubles category. As the game unfolds, I silently — and fervently — pray for a strong finish, eager to see them advance in this thrilling competition.
LONG SHADOWS
"Sports became my sanctuary," begins Norisah Bahrom, voice rich with emotion as she reflects on her unexpected triumph. I'd managed to finally corner her after her great run in the Mixed-Ability Doubles Open 19+ category, which she partnered with Chan and emerged victorious.
The 49-year-old, eyes sparkling behind her glasses, exudes a joy that belies her modest expectations. "I truly didn't expect anything when I entered this tournament," she admits, adding: "Winning was beyond anything I'd imagined."
Curious about her journey, I ask the Muar-born athlete to share her story. She nods, acknowledging my question before rewinding back the years to how it all started.
Norisah's journey began under the weight of a spinal condition diagnosed when she was just 15. This diagnosis marked a significant shift in her life, thrusting her into a world where societal perceptions of disability often cast long shadows.
"Before I discovered sports, I was a very shy person when facing society," she reflects. The challenges she faced were not only physical but deeply emotional, impacting her confidence and sense of self-worth.
Sports, once again she reiterates, became her sanctuary. At the age of 19, she stepped onto the courts of wheelchair tennis, a decision that would eventually redefine her life. By 24, she was representing Malaysia on the international stage.
"Sports can build self-confidence, foster a positive mind set, and challenge one's potential," she explains. Her involvement in sports transformed her from a withdrawn individual into a confident athlete, proving that disability doesn't define one's limits.
EMBRACING PICKLEBALL
In a twist of fate, Norisah's journey has led her to pickleball, one of the country's — and also the world's — fastest growing sports that combines elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis.
When she received a message from Siew Chin Sia, founder and chairman of Malaysia Independent Living Association for Disabled (Milad), about a pickleball tournament for persons with disabilities (PwD), excitement bubbled within her.
Recalls Norisah, who is married to paralympian Abu Samah Borhan: "I was excited, for sure!" But despite her enthusiasm, the road to participation was fraught with obstacles.
The registration had closed by the time Norisah clicked on the link, a setback that could have easily derailed her plans. But her determination saw her contacting event coordinator and KLPA president Law Cheok Maan, who helped her secure a spot.
Together with her partner Chan, one of the country's pickleball stalwarts assigned just days before the competition, Norisah realised that there was another challenge to grapple with: limited practice time. "We only had one practice session as we were paired up in the last minute," she explains, smiling wryly. Yet, these challenges weren't enough to dampen her spirit. She was determined to keep going.
POWER OF PARTNERSHIP
The essence of sports often lies in the partnerships and teams that athletes build. In the mixed-ability pickleball tournament, Norisah's partnership with Chan highlighted the beauty of teamwork across different abilities.
Her fully able-bodied teammate became more than just a partner — he was a pillar of support, she shares proudly. "He was very considerate and had faith in my shots. He'd cover for me if there was a ball that was difficult or too high for me to reach," recounts Norisah.
Their collaboration was marked by mutual respect and understanding. "We always communicated and I think we had good synergy. I didn't feel pressured by my partner," recalls Norisah, the youngest of eight siblings. This harmony allowed them to perform at their best, eventually winning their matches and capturing the coveted first place.
RIGOURS OF PREPARATION
Victory, however, wasn't merely the result of luck or talent. Preparation was also key. Shares Norisah, who enjoys sports and reading motivational books: "In the days leading up to the competition, I ensured that my equipment, like my wheelchair, was in good condition. I went to bed early the night before and arrived in good time at the venue the next day so I could do my stretching and fit in a quick practice."
For major tournaments, Norisah's preparation extended beyond physical training to include mental fortitude. "I always try to maintain a positive mindset to keep my physical energy up and my mind focused on the game," she confides.
Her strategy, I learn, encompasses regular activities, such as jogging (wheelchair propulsion) for at least five kilometres, gym workouts and tennis practice, all aimed at enhancing her arm strength and overall fitness.
CHALLENGES BEYOND
Norisah's journey through the world of sports reveals much about the broader challenges faced by athletes with disabilities. "People with disabilities who wish to get involved in sports definitely need support," she says emphatically.
One of the primary challenges, she elaborates, is the reluctance of families to let their children with disabilities seek independence. Safety concerns and societal prejudices often loom large in their minds.
"Parents of PwD find it difficult to let their children be independent due to concerns about safety and worries about being harassed by other children," she points out, before softly adding that this protective instinct, while understandable, can sometimes hinder the autonomy and growth of young athletes.
Another critical area is the need for specialised coaching and training. Athletes with disabilities require coaches who not only understand the unique physical and logistical challenges of wheelchair movement, but are also adept in addressing these difficulties. Without such expertise, athletes may struggle to reach their full potential.
Financial support is yet another significant barrier. Many people with disabilities face economic hardship that make it challenging to cover the costs associated with sports. Norisah says: "Most PwDs don't have stable jobs, and even if they do, their income isn't substantial." The expenses relating to transport and equipment can be overwhelming, adding an extra layer of difficulty to an already demanding journey.
Accessible facilities also play a crucial role in enabling participation. Training venues must be designed with the needs of athletes with disabilities in mind, featuring accessible toilets and other essential amenities. Without such accommodations, athletes may find themselves limited by the very environments meant to support their growth.
While the path may be fraught with challenges, the commitment to addressing these needs can pave the way for meaningful and empowering opportunities for all athletes, believes Norisah.
CELEBRATION OF TRIUMPH
Her proud triumph in the tournament isn't just a personal victory, but also a symbol of hope for many. Eyes sparkling under her glasses, Norisah confides: "I was very happy to have achieved what I did. While the unexpected prize money, Airfly sunglasses and Sketchers voucher were delightful, I'd say the real reward is the broader message of possibility and inclusivity."
Wrapping up her story, Norisah concludes: "Sports is incredibly important for both physical and mental health. They boost self-confidence and create opportunities for people to connect socially without feeling self-conscious. They prove that PwDs can also bring pride to their country through their achievements."
Her story, along with those of others like her, highlights how support and perseverance can lead to remarkable accomplishments. Norisah's journey from a reserved individual struggling with self-esteem to a celebrated athlete demonstrates how sports can foster personal growth and shift societal perspectives.
Her success is a powerful reminder that with the right encouragement and determination, anyone can overcome challenges and inspire others along the way.
POWER OF SPORTS
Semi-retired Edward Chan, a highly respected pickleball coach and player, and Norisah, an experienced wheelchair tennis player new to the sport, found themselves as partners under unexpected circumstances.
Recalling the days prior to the competition, Chan, an administrator of the Pickleball Malaysia FB page, admits: "When I clicked to join the tournament, I didn't know who my partner would be."
Three days before the tournament, Chan remembers that his initial excitement gave way to uncertainty. "I was a bit sceptical," he confesses, adding: "We barely had any time to practice together, and I wondered if we'd sync well. Plus, I didn't know if she, being a female partner, would be comfortable playing with me."
Determined to make the most of their limited time, he and Norisah met for practice in a condominium in Sri Putramas, Kuala Lumpur. Chan soon discovered that his partner's background in wheelchair tennis, and the guidance of her husband Abu Samah Borhan, had equipped her with a sharp ball sense.
"Abu Samah is a national Paralympic tennis player. I'm sure that he had much input in her coaching," muses Chan. Despite this, he was aware that the game was an entirely new terrain for Norisah.
The two-bounce rule in pickleball, which allows players with disabilities extra time to return the ball, initially confused him, admits Chan. But, as they practiced, he grew more accustomed to the dynamics.
His focus wasn't just on the rules, but on ensuring that Norisah felt comfortable and supported. "I told her to enjoy the game and not stress too much about the ball. I'd handle the tough shots," he shares.
BREAKING NEW GROUND
Chan's approach was driven by a genuine desire to support his partner. "When I signed up for the tournament, I wasn't concerned with the prize money. My goal was to help Norisah and provide an opportunity for someone with a disability," he explains.
His selfless attitude bore fruit as they triumphed in the competition. "Entering the final, we faced national junior tennis players — both an able-bodied athlete and a wheelchair-bound one," recounts Chan.
This victory wasn't just about winning but about breaking new ground. Solemnly, he adds: "It's about giving people with disabilities a chance to shine. Their perspective on life is unique, and giving them an opportunity is invaluable."
Asked about what it's like to play with a less-abled partner, Chan emphasises the importance of balancing competitiveness with sensitivity. "I had to push hard, especially since Norisah, despite her speed and skill, faced challenges. I used psychological techniques to ease her stress. I told her to focus on getting the ball over the net and not to worry about the score. I'd handle that part."
As the minutes tick, Chan's reflections reveal a landscape ripe for transformation. "It was surprising to see so few athletes with disabilities participating in the mixed-ability event to be honest. But I truly hope that next year, we'll see a lot more joining in, especially once they've seen this one."
He advocates passionately for enhanced facilities and support, envisioning a future where community halls are accessible to everyone to play pickleball — including those with disabilities.
"Pickleball is incredibly addictive. Why not open the door for the wheelchair community to experience it too?" Chan asks, before concluding that sports should be a unifying force, where every individual, regardless of ability, can find their moment to shine.
TOURNAMENT TRIVIA
Number of categories: 18
Number of participants: 800+
Number of countries: 16
Youngest player: 10
Oldest player: 82
Total value of prizes: RM46,750.