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SHAH ALAM - "Being crowned world champion is not just about standing on the podium. It is the story behind every gruelling training session, every unseen sacrifice, every tear, every failure that shapes you and every prayer that never stopped."
National women's lawn bowler Emma Firyana Saroji shared this in an Instagram post after being ranked world No 1, following her women's singles World Cup win at the Juara Stadium in Bukit Kiara last November.
In the post dated Jul 3, Emma wrote that a long-held dream had finally come true.
"Alhamdulillah, all praise is due to Allah. Today, a dream I have held onto for so long has finally come true," she wrote.
She thanked her parents, family, coaches, teammates, management, the Emma Fighters fan group, sponsors and all Malaysians who had prayed for her and believed in her, saying their support had been a source of strength throughout her journey.
"This achievement is not a full stop, but a responsibility that reminds me to stay humble, keep working hard and continue carrying the Jalur Gemilang with pride on the world stage," she wrote.
Emma said she hoped her achievement would inspire young Malaysians to dream boldly, work tirelessly and always place their trust in Allah.
"Alhamdulillah. Thank you, Malaysia," she wrote, alongside the phrase: "Dream with faith. Work with purpose. Leave the rest to Allah."
Based on the updated women's world ranking in the World Bowls Series, Emma occupies the top spot with 787 points. Australia's Jamie-lee Worsnop is ranked second with 709 points, followed by Hong Kong's Cheryl Chan with 694 points.
The 39-year-old is set to lead Malaysia's charge at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, from Jul 23 to Aug 2.
