Athlete chases dream despite losing hand
My left hand was amputated and it took me six months to recover.
Muhamad Ashraf Muhamad Haisham
KUALA LUMPUR: As a teenager, Muhamad Ashraf Muhamad Haisham dreamed of being a top steeplechase runner.
He even featured in the boys’ Under15 2,000m steeplechase race at the National Schools Sports Council ( MSSM) meet in Ipoh in 2012.
Although he did not win a medal, he was bent on becoming a national middle distance runner.
A year later – in 2013 – disaster struck. He was involved in a motorcycle accident in Setiawan while on his way from his school hostel at SMK Batu 10 to buy some food.
The 21yearold Ashraf, the son of a fisherman, lost his left hand – but he never lost hope of representing the country.
“My left hand was amputated and it took me six months to recover – physically and mentally.
“But I never gave up my dream of running for Malaysia,” said Ashraf, who joined the national para athletics team in 2014.
A year later, his dream came true as he featured in the Asean Para Games in Singapore, where he won gold in men’s 800m and silver in 1,500m T46 (amputee).
For the KL Asean Para Games, Ashraf will feature in three events – 400m, 800m and 1,500m – over three days.
He is not too concerned with the hectic schedule, saying he’s ready for the challenge.
“I’ll be more than happy if I can contribute two golds and also book a spot in the 800m for next year’s Asian Para Games in Jakarta,” said Ashraf, who has a personal best of 2:03.30 in the 800m.
Ashraf, who needs to clock below 2:02.00 to qualify for the Asian Para Games, is in high spirits for the Asean Para Games as his parents Muhamad Haisham Aziz and Noriha Ismail and six siblings will be at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil to cheer him on.