Tanjung bidara: Para sprinter Muhammad Hafiq Hizwan Norizan, popularly known as Balau, is making a determined shift from his social media influencer role to focus on his athletic career, with the objective of qualifying for the 2027 World Para Athletics Championships (WPAC) in Uzbekistan next June.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Balau, who boasts over 400,000 followers on TikTok, has temporarily paused his social media content creation. This decision allows him to dedicate more time to intensive training ahead of the WPAC qualifying events scheduled for either February or April next year, as well as the 14th ASEAN Para Games in Kuala Lumpur next month.
The 29-year-old athlete found renewed motivation following his recent success at the Selangor Para SUKMA, where he clinched three gold medals and set three national records in the 100m, 200m, and 400m events. Speaking to reporters during the Wakil Rakyat Untuk Rakyat (WRUR) programme in Tanjung Bidara, he expressed his ambition to qualify for the 100m event at the 2027 WPAC and aim for the gold medal, leveraging the momentum from his Selangor Para SUKMA performance.
Balau emphasized the importance of maintaining his athletic momentum, aspiring to honor his home state of Melaka and Malaysia through his accomplishments. He acknowledged the necessity of temporarily setting aside his social media endeavors to remain competitive and achieve further success in his sporting career.
Driven by a desire to make his parents, Norhayati Shamsaiah Mat Kassim and Norizan Abdullah, proud, Balau revealed that his academic performance during his SPM exams was unsatisfactory. As the eldest of five siblings, he now aims to compensate for that through his sporting achievements.
Originally from Klebang, Balau received the Melaka Sports OKU Figure Award at the event, which he views as recognition from the state government for his achievements at the Selangor Para SUKMA. Despite becoming an OKU following an accident 11 years ago, Balau believes the award highlights the unique strengths and potential contributions of individuals with disabilities.