KUALA LUMPUR – National weightlifter Mohamad Aniq Kasdan is thrilled to be able to return to his hometown to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri with his family this year.
Fresh off his victory in securing a coveted spot in the Paris Olympic Games’ under 61kg category, Aniq reveals that it has been a poignant three-year absence since he last celebrated the joyous occasion with loved ones in Segamat, Johor.
For him, this Hari Raya is more meaningful after achieving his mission for Paris, which ends the country’s eight-year drought of sending representatives to compete in the world’s largest sporting event, following Hafifi Mansor’s participation in Rio 2016.
“I haven’t celebrated Hari Raya in my hometown for three years. Last year, I was involved in the Olympic qualifying tournament in South Korea. The year before that, I was preparing for the SEA Games in Vietnam, where the dates for Hari Raya and the tournament were very close.
“In 2021, I couldn’t go home for Hari Raya due to the movement control order.
“For me, this Hari Raya is significant because I haven’t celebrated it with my family for a long time. They have been my pillar of strength, helping me qualify for the Paris Olympic Games,” said Aniq to Scoop.
At the same time, Aniq explains his close relationship with teammate Aznil Bidin, despite Aznil’s failure to qualify for the Paris Olympics.
Aznil finished 10th overall at the recent IWF World Cup Championship in Phuket, competing in the same weight category as Aniq, with a total lift of 284kg.
This result placed Aznil 16th in the Olympic qualification rankings for the 61kg category.
As per the regulations set by the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF), only the top 10 athletes secure qualifications, with each country limited to sending just one representative per category
“Before the qualification rounds began, I told him, let’s see whose luck will take them to the Paris Olympic Games, because both of us have put in our utmost efforts.
“I qualified for Paris fairly and squarely, and we competed in good spirits, so there’s no room for dissatisfaction with each other’s achievements,” he added. – April 10, 2024