KUALA LUMPUR — At 15, Lourdess Raj Philip John felt lost.
Unable to read properly and struggling to find his place at school, he often went through his days exhausted, disconnected and uncertain about where his life was heading.
Three years later, the 18-year-old from Perak is standing tall as captain of Malaysia’s Para ID hockey team and a world bronze medallist.
Lourdess was part of the Speedy Tigers ID squad that created history yesterday by finishing third at the inaugural FIH Para ID Hockey World Cup in Amstelveen, the Netherlands, after beating Belgium 3-1 in the bronze-medal match at the Wagener Hockey Stadium.
The achievement capped a remarkable journey for the fifth of six siblings, whose life was transformed by a sport he first picked up at the age of seven.
Lourdess said he went through one of the most difficult periods of his life after receiving his Persons with Disabilities (OKU) card while in Form Three.
Despite struggling to read and recognise certain words, the support of his teachers and coaches helped him through a period when he felt completely lost.
“My teachers and coaches gave me a lot of support. When I received my OKU card in Form Three, I was really lost.
“At that time, I did not know what I was supposed to do or where my future was heading. I would go to class and sleep because I was always tired, and I did not really study because I could not read or recognise the words.
“It was difficult because I knew I was different from the other students. Sometimes, I just did not know how to deal with it. But my teachers and coaches continued to support me and encouraged me not to give up.
“When I talked to people, everything was okay. I could communicate and interact with them. But reading and recognising words was something I really struggled with,” he told Scoop when contacted.
Hockey, however, gave him something school could not — a sense of purpose.
What began as a childhood interest eventually became the driving force that pushed him forward, while the unwavering support of his parents, teachers and coaches gave him the confidence to continue chasing his dreams.
Now entrusted with the captaincy, Lourdess carries not only the responsibility of leading his teammates but also the pride of representing Malaysia on the international stage.
“I started playing hockey when I was seven years old, and from that time, I really enjoyed the sport. Hockey gave me something to focus on and made me want to keep improving myself.
“My parents have always supported me, and my coaches and teachers have also been with me throughout this journey. They believed in me even during the difficult times when I was still trying to find my direction.
“Now, I have the opportunity to represent Malaysia and lead this team. That is something I am very proud of.
“I am carrying the name of my country, so I have to do my best for my parents, my coaches and my teachers who have looked after me from then until now.
“I want to make them proud because they have given me so much support. I will continue to work hard and always give my best for them and for Malaysia,” he said.
Lourdess is one of 10 athletes with intellectual disabilities selected to represent Malaysia at the historic tournament, which marked the first time the FIH Para ID Hockey World Cup was staged in Europe.
Sixteen nations from around the world competed for the inaugural world title, but Malaysia ensured their name would be etched into the history books by returning home with bronze.
For Lourdess, the medal represents far more than a third-place finish.
It is the culmination of a journey that began with uncertainty and struggle, but was ultimately transformed by the sport he loves.
The teenager who once felt lost and uncertain about his future has now found his direction, leading Malaysia on the world stage with a hockey stick in his hands and the national colours on his chest. – August 28, 2026