PARA athlete Muhd Rafi Muda enjoys the best of both worlds.
On the one hand there is his family business, and on the other, he had his love for lawn bowls.
In Kuala Terengganu, he runs a food stall selling banana fritters (pisang goreng) for more than 40 years.
A popular Malaysian snack, that sells well in the evenings at his home town in Gong Badak.
A family business from generation to generation.
And for the last 15 years, Rafi has divided his time between work and play.
He made heads turn with his abilities in lawn bowls.
Rafi picked up bronze at the 2023 Asian Para Games in Hangzhou in the men’s singles B6 category.
He is now set to make his debut on the World stage in Kuala Lumpur from Nov 4-8.
“I am enjoying the best of both worlds now,” said an excited Rafi.
“My ‘pisang goreng’ business is a real hit in Kuala Terengganu.
“I wish to make a name in lawn bowls at the same time.“
Never in his wildest dream did he imagine that one day he would represent Malaysia in lawn bowls.
Rafi will compete in the inaugural ‘World Cup 2025’ in Bukit Kiara this month – both in singles (B7) and mixed pairs with Jariah Zakaria.
Rafi’s interest in lawn bowls grew after watching his friends play the game.
“At first it was exciting to watch my friends play the game.
“Then they asked me to join in and I fell in love with the game.
“Day to day, my interest grew and I began to pursue the game seriously.
“I even take leave from work when my friends are around to play.
“My brother and children help out to run the ‘warung’ during my absence.“
His persistence has now paid off.
Article by: Eric Samuel