KUALA LUMPUR: National Under-23 striker Hadi Fayyadh Abd Radzak, who is currently training with Japan’s J2 club Roasso Kumamoto received a pleasant surprise on Tuesday.
Hadi Fayyadh, who plays for Premier League side Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT II), met Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad at a Student Leadership Programme held at the Global Arena in Fukuoka.
Hadi said he was grateful to be able to meet Dr Mahathir who he greatly respects and admires.
The meet was arranged by Yakult (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd.
"Tun (Mahathir) advised me to train hard here (Japan) and that my success in the future would make Malaysia proud. He also asked that I take care of myself here," said Hadi.
"I am very happy and proud to be able to meet Tun and his wife (Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali). At first, I did not believe it when Hiroshi Hamada told me I would meet them here.
"Meeting my idol, someone who I really look up to, is definitely one of the sweetest moments in my life.”
Hamada, who is Yakult Malaysia managing director, said the meet was arranged to motivate Hadi Fayyadh who is currently on a week-long trial with Roasso.
"We arranged the meet to inspire Hadi (Fayyadh) to work hard and try and secure a place at the club.
"He also shared his experiences with the student leaders during the programme,” said Hamada.