SHAH ALAM, Sept 10 - What started as casual browsing on social media after a motorcycle accident has now given Muhammad Yunus Mohammad Muhayadin Abdullah a reason to smile proudly after he won a silver medal on his debut at the 2026 Malaysia Para Games (SUKMA).
The former hockey athlete achieved the feat in the para tenpin bowling doubles event with Nadia Syafika Abdul Rahman, 31, whom he also considers an idol after returning to sports following the accident in 2022.
Yunus, 20, said his involvement in para tenpin bowling began about two years ago when he was looking for an activity to fill his free time after losing direction in sports.
“I just got into this sport about two years ago. After my accident, I was not participating in any sports and didn’t know what I wanted to do. So I surfed social media and saw the Selangor para tenpin bowling team,” he told Media Selangor.
Yunus then contacted the team without high expectations before being invited to attend a screening session and eventually selected as one of the athletes.
He said his first appearance at Para SUKMA provided valuable experience, particularly in learning to manage pressure while performing on the big stage.
“The biggest challenge is facing pressure but we always support each other and build harmony.
“Anyway, we have tried our best. It is sad because we could not contribute gold but we are still grateful for getting a silver medal,” he said.
For Yunus, the opportunity to return to the world of sports after his accident proved that his shortcomings were not an excuse to stop pursuing his dreams.
"Even though we have shortcomings, don't give up, instead find a hobby that interests us, get up and work hard," he said.
Meanwhile, Nadia, who has participated in SUKMA five times, said she was satisfied with their achievement, particularly with Yunus giving his best performance in his debut appearance.
"I am satisfied because this is his (Yunus) first Para SUKMA. He has given his best. Even though he got a silver medal, we are still grateful.
"Muhammad Yunus is still young and his journey is still long," she said.
Nadia said they had prepared together for two years, making improvements from time to time to strengthen their compatibility and performance.
She also said the support of their families had greatly helped them stay focused throughout their preparation and the competition.
Nadia said the experience of competing had taught them not to give up easily when faced with pressure or disappointment, but to get back up and work on their weaknesses.
"You must always get up and don't give up easily," she said.
Yesterday, the doubles pair won the silver medal in the para tenpin bowling event at the 2026 Para SUKMA Games, held at Sunway Mega Lanes here.
