Malaysian women: The faces that hide nothing
These two faces strike ones’ eyes as one settle down and start watching Malaysian girls in action in the ongoing Hockey World League in Delhi that is on its last phase now.
Yes, Fatin Shafika and Raja Nor Sharina catch the eyes, not just being as dynamic as any other battle hardened pro would on the turf, but also for some other reason: they play in Hijaab.
“It’s an open culture in Malaysia. We aren’t from traditional families, it’s just what you choose,” responds a 17-year old Shafika.
Her comment is corroborated by 22-year old Sharina, a University of Malaysia student.
The young Shafika, a 11th standard student, has hockey genes in her veins, as her father and brother too play hockey.
Although Shafika is extremely shy and blushes at every question, she is quite opposite on the hockey field –very dashing and conquering.
“I want to go up, and up in the field, score as many goals as possible,” the midfielder shares in Malay, as her compatriot translates it in English.
Both are friends, and evaluate each other’s personality with fun.
vHer friends says that Shafika is always on the phone. When asked if that is her boyfriend on the other side of the phone, she is quick to say a big ‘No’, but smiles and says, “I just like talking to friends.”
Shafika is an avid facebook user, and her role model is Jamie Dwyer. She wants to emulate him. However, when on asked what will be the first thing she will do if she were ever to meet him, her answer reflects her young age, “I will take a picture with him!”
Perhaps to post in her facebook!
Sharina, who is ‘Raja’ to her friends, is a University student, is more academics-oriented though revels quality time with Malaysian novels.
Raja is more experienced of the two, has been playing for Malaysia as young as 18 years old. She was also a part of Round 1 Hockey World League where Malaysia topped the table undefeated.
vHowever, Raja has a lighter side to her character. She can change the mood of others.
“Whenever my mentor, Juliani Din Mohamad is sad, I go up to her, crack a joke and make her laugh,” she says with a tinge of mischief on her face.
Both of these players have the same passion for any given game, “We want to be in the first-11 fielded in a game.”
And why is it so?
“Because the first-11 is the best of the team; we want to be the best,” they say in unison.
Raja won the ‘Player of the Match’ award for the Kazakhstan match which Malaysia won 3-1.