By Nur Khalidah Abdul Halim
SHAH ALAM, Aug 31 (Bernama) -- For national lawn bowls athlete Syafiqa Haidar Afif Abdul Rahman, serving the nation extends beyond carrying the Jalur Gemilang onto the international stage, encompassing her daily work serving the community at the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA).
The 32-year-old balances two roles - administrative assistant at MBSA and national lawn bowls athlete - viewing both as avenues to contribute to the people and the country in their respective fields.
"To me, both are forms of service. At MBSA, I serve the community, while as an athlete, I carry Malaysia's name," she told Bernama during a recent interview at Wisma MBSA.
Syafiqa said her decision to join MBSA in 2024, at the age of 30, was part of her preparation to build a long-term career, recognising that an athlete's competitive journey has its limits and fluctuations.
At the same time, MBSA's support has enabled her to balance her responsibilities as a public servant with her commitments to training and competing in Malaysia and abroad.
Shafiqa said both roles shared the same purpose -- giving her best to society and the country, whether through her daily duties at the office or by bringing honour to Malaysia on the international stage.
Her journey in lawn bowls began during her primary school years in Perlis and continued when she pursued her studies at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) in Shah Alam.
The passion for the sport led her to represent Perlis at the Malaysia Games (SUKMA) from 2008 to 2014, winning gold medals in the 2012 and 2014 editions before joining the national squad after completing her studies.
Among her major achievements are a SEA Games gold medal in the Philippines and a silver medal in the women's triples at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Behind those achievements, however, were personal sacrifices, including the death of her mother while she was training in preparation for the events.
"It was a very difficult time. But I knew I had to carry on. I believe those sacrifices made me stronger," she said.
In 2026, Syafiqa continued representing Malaysia internationally while pregnant, partnering Aleena Ahmad Nawawi to win silver in the women's pairs at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
For Syafiqa, stepping onto the rink is about more than pursuing victory - it is about carrying Malaysia's name and responsibility.
"When you are overseas, see the Jalur Gemilang and hear the Negaraku, the feeling is different. That is when you realise you are not representing yourself; you are representing Malaysia," she said.
Ranked second in Malaysia and 18th in the world in the singles category, she still dreams of ending her competitive career with a gold medal while continuing to contribute to Malaysia at future SEA Games and world championships.
Syafiqa said National Day was a reminder that every Malaysian had an opportunity to serve the country, whether through their profession, sport or other fields.
"If we have an opportunity to do something for the country, we should do it to the best of our ability, regardless of the field," she said.
-- BERNAMA