BETONG: The saying “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree” aptly describes the extraordinary strength Selangor weightlifter Nur Sabrina Hani Sazali possesses – just like her father, national bodybuilding legend Sazali Samad.
Speaking about how she first got involved in weightlifting, the 18-year-old said her interest in the sport was piqued while watching the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, alongside the influence of her weightlifting brother.
“Initially I watched the Tokyo Olympics and I felt that this sport’s quite interesting. Then, I started asking my brother about it as he is a weightlifter too.
“After following my brother to training, I got hooked on weightlifting,” she told Bernama, adding that her father fully supported her decision.
With their support and blessings, she managed to finish fourth in the women’s below 55-kilogramme (kg) category at the 2024 Malaysia Games (SUKMA) here with a total lift of 122kg.
That has whetted her appetite and she plans to train harder as she sets her sights on a podium finish in the 2026 edition, which will be held at her home ground – Selangor.
Meanwhile, former national bodybuilding champion and 10-time Mr Universe Sazali said he was proud of her achievement, noting that she has only been in the sport for two years.
“To me, finishing fourth is already a good achievement for her because her rivals are very good.
“Hopefully, she can put in the hard work after this and we, as a family, will always give her our full support and love,” he said. – BERNAMA
