Muhammad Azeem, Sivasangari Take on Mission to Inspire Younger Generation Through Sports

Every athlete who proudly stands on the podium once started with a small step.

Some began on school fields, others trained at community courts, while some simply wanted to try something new.

Yet, it is from that first step that great dreams are born, eventually leading them to bring honour to the country on the world stage.

Among them are the stories of national sprinter Muhammad Azeem Mohd Fahmi and national squash star Sivasangari Subramaniam.

Behind the success they enjoy today, both have gone through long journeys filled with challenges, sacrifices and failures before establishing themselves as among Malaysia’s best athletes.

Now, while continuing to pursue achievements on the international stage, they are taking on another important mission: inspiring Malaysia’s younger generation to boldly explore their potential through sports.

This mission is reflected in the appointment of Muhammad Azeem as MILO® Malaysia’s (MILO®) newest sports ambassador, joining Sivasangari, who is now entering her third year as an ambassador.

The appointment not only recognises their achievements but also provides an opportunity for both athletes to share their experiences and the values that have shaped their success.

For Muhammad Azeem and Sivasangari, success does not happen overnight.

It is built through tireless training, strong discipline, the determination to bounce back from failure and the belief that every challenge can be overcome.

Today, these are the experiences they hope to pass on to the next generation.

Their appointments also come at significant moments in their respective careers, as Muhammad Azeem continues to strengthen his reputation as the national 100-metre record holder and one of Malaysia’s most outstanding sprinters.

Every appearance he makes on the track not only carries the hopes of Malaysians but also inspires many young athletes who aspire to follow in his footsteps.

Meanwhile, Sivasangari recently achieved another proud milestone by successfully defending her gold medal in the women’s singles event in Aichi-Nagoya.

She is now eyeing the opportunity to make history as the first Malaysian female squash player to qualify for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, which will mark squash’s debut as an Olympic sport.

Every Champion Begins with a First Step

Despite their remarkable achievements, both athletes have never forgotten where they started.

Long before setting national records, winning gold medals or standing on international podiums, Muhammad Azeem and Sivasangari were simply children who enjoyed playing sports.

Throughout their journeys, they learned to accept defeat, improve their weaknesses and continuously strive to become better every day.

In fact, MILO® had already been part of their early journeys when they participated in sports competitions at school and junior levels.

Having once experienced sporting platforms supported by MILO® as young athletes, both have now returned as sports ambassadors, with the opportunity to share their experiences and inspire the next generation.

This connection reflects how MILO®’s continued commitment to grassroots sports not only supports youth participation but also builds lasting relationships with athletes throughout their sporting journeys.

MILO® Malaysia Head of Sports Development Lim Kerwin said people generally only see an athlete’s success when they stand on the podium, without knowing the long journey they have endured before reaching that moment.

According to him, behind every medal and record lies a story of discipline, hard work, challenges and resilience that forms the foundation of an athlete’s success.

“A child who watches Muhammad Azeem run today may be inspired to try athletics, while someone who watches Sivasangari compete at Los Angeles 2028 may be encouraged to pick up a squash racket for the first time.”

For him, true inspiration is not merely about winning but about having the courage to take the first step.

Experiences Shape an Athlete

Muhammad Azeem admitted that his journey towards becoming Malaysia’s fastest sprinter has taught him a great deal about patience and perseverance.

According to him, not every race ends in victory, but every experience provides lessons that have shaped him into a more mature athlete.

“MILO® has been part of my athletics journey since I was young. That is why the opportunity to return as a sports ambassador is very meaningful to me.

“I know what it feels like to be a young athlete striving to improve and wondering how far I can go.

“What matters is not just winning, but how we bounce back, learn from every experience and continue striving to become better,” he said.

Sivasangari shared a similar perspective.

Having first picked up a squash racket at the age of eight, she never imagined that the sport would eventually take her to compete against the world’s best players.

Now, more than two decades after participating in her first junior squash tournament, she continues to pursue an even bigger dream: making history on the Olympic stage.

According to her, sports are not merely about winning but also provide an excellent platform for developing self-confidence, discipline and mental resilience.

“I hope more young people will give themselves the opportunity to experience what sports have to offer. We never know how far that first step can take us,” she said.

Building a Legacy for the Next Generation

The appointment of Muhammad Azeem and Sivasangari as sports ambassadors reflects MILO® Malaysia’s continued commitment to empowering grassroots sports development in the country.

MILO® has been part of Malaysia’s sporting landscape through its ongoing support for various grassroots sports initiatives and platforms that provide young people with opportunities to begin participating in sports, gain competitive experience and build a foundation for further progress.

The journeys of Muhammad Azeem and Sivasangari demonstrate how relationships established at a young age are now being continued through their roles as MILO® sports ambassadors.

This long-term commitment is important to ensure that support for sports does not end with a single tournament or generation.

With continuous opportunities available, more young people can develop an interest in sports, while those with talent and aspirations can continue sharpening their abilities.

Not everyone who takes up sports will become a national athlete. However, every national athlete has certainly taken that same first step.

For Muhammad Azeem and Sivasangari, this is the mission they hope to continue today.

Beyond chasing records and medals, they want to inspire Malaysia’s younger generation to dare to dream, persevere without giving up and discover their true potential through sports.

Sinar Harian