Samah doesn't let diabetes stop him

Vinashal Pillai

WHEN Malaysia sent a contingent to the 1979 Asian Weightlifting Championships in China, officials hosting the event were expecting a busload of athletes. They were shocked to see just one man hopping off the bus. That man was Samah Ali.

Samah Ali (right) training weightlifter Zaidi Zainal at the Raja Muda Stadium. Pic: AIZUDDIN SAAD.

Although Samah finished fourth, it was his most profound experience competing outside Malaysia.

The former Sea Games and Asean Championship gold medallist now works at the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) library. He has also been coaching weightlifters after retiring from the sport in 1989.

Even after being diagnosed with diabetes in 2000, Samah's passion for weightlifting remains strong.

The 55-year-old former national champion has been suffering from the disease for the past nine years and recently lost two toes in his left leg. Samah had to take sick leave for two months and has to go for treatment at Kuala Lumpur Hospital every two days.

The National Athletes Charity Foundation (YAKEB) has come forward to help Samah to meet his medical needs. Yakeb launched the 1Ringgit 1Malaysia campaign last month with the aim of helping former athletes who are sick or poor.

Recently, Yakeb officials paid a visit to the Raja Muda gymnasium where Samah conducts coaching.

Relating his competitive days, Samah said: "During the early years we had a Russian coach who was a former Olympic champion, and he had a keen eye for talent.

"He said I had what it took to be a world champion and asked if I would be interested to train in Russia, but I politely declined as we were not allowed then to go to Russia because of the communist-run government."

Having competed in tournaments in Germany, Hungary and Indonesia, Samah said his experience in China was the most vivid.

"I was in China alone for two weeks in 1979 for a competition. I actually got lost and had to find my way around and made new friends because everything was in Mandarin and I didn't speak a word of it.

"I even had to sell my camera to get some cash," he said with a laugh.

Samah, who resides in Bandar Alam Damai, has been with Mindef since 1969. Despite his health problem, his commitment to coaching is still strong.

"I still have enough energy left in me to share my knowledge and give back to the nation."

Yakeb is offering two coverage plans -- for former athletes aged 69 and below and for those 70 and above.

Donations and sponsorship should be channeled to Yayasan Kebajikan Atlet Kebangsaan -- Tabung Yakeb, Account No: 564847005696 (Maybank).

Donations can also be made via text messages. Send YAKEB1 (RM1, YAKEB2, YAKEB5 or YAKEB10 to 33898.

Donation boxes are also placed at the NST headquarters in Jalan Riong, Kuala Lumpur and branch offices. Contributions can also be made at all Bank Simpanan Nasional branches nationwide.

For enquiries, contact, 03-89964841/4844 or visit www.yakeb.org.my.

l Don't forget to catch BersamaMu-Wira Sukan, Anda Tetap Di Hati on TV3 at 9.30pm today.