Like all enthusiastic young tennis players, Suhana Sofia Mohd Adam Das is no different when it come to setting big dreams in the Kuala Lumpur 2017 29th SEA Games.  

The 17-year-old, who hails from Batu Pahat, Johor, is making her debut in the biennial event and has set her eyes on a medal when the event starts on 21-26 August at the National Tennis Centre on Jalan Tuanku Abdul Halim.  

Like a ‘fresh hot bun out from the oven’, Suhana is determined to carve a niche in the Games.

“This will be the first time I am representing the country in the SEA Games. I am all fired up and at this moment the feeling is very overwhelming,” said Suhana. “I know the challenges are going to be great with top players from the region competing and I must stay focus.”

Reminiscing her foray in tennis, Suhana said it all began when she was four years old.

“It was my siblings who started winging their rackets into my direction when I was still a little girl and asked me to hold it. I grew up spending much of my time than just playing around with a smaller racket and joined them on the court as I grew older,” she said wryly.

“As the years went by I developed a strong passion for tennis and today I am in the national team, something I never expected. Its amazing!”

Being the youngest player in the national squad, Suhana attributes her quick rise to the encouragement and guidance of the seniors who often share their knowledge with her. 

“I have learned from the seniors how to analyse certain moves and techniques adopted by my opponents. Now every match has been a eye opener for me. I study the way my opponent moves around on the court and this has helped me a lot,” she Suhana, adding that she is equally fortunate to have dedicated coaches.

Meanwhile, 2016 Malaysia Games gold medalist Koay Hao Sheng is looking to make great strides in the SEA Games in his first outing.

“I am now balancing my studies in electrical engineering and tennis and it is great to return from the United States to compete in the SEA Games,” said the 19-year-old who studies at Buffalo State University,” he said. – OLEH FAZLIN ZULKIFLI

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