CYCLING: RM400,000 boost for Fatehah

ASIAN women's keirin champion Fatehah Mustapa can now put her dream of becoming a businesswoman into motion after she gives up the sport.

(From left) Sime Darby Foundation (YSD) CEO Yatela Zainal Abidin, NSC's director of sports management division Datuk Abdul Jalil Abdullah, YSD council member Tan Sri Wan Mohd Zahid Mohd Noordin and national rider Fatehah Mustapa yesterday. Pic by Yazit Razali

The 22-year-old yesterday became the second cyclist after Azizulhasni Awang to receive the Sime Darby Foundation (YSD) Star Scholarship award worth RM400,000.

   The scholarship will fund Fatehah's studies for six years from September, after she competes in her first Olympics.

   "I'm planning to open my own business after I finish cycling and this will help give me the education I need to pursue that dream," said Fatehah.

   The award was presented by YSD council member Tan Sri Wan Mohd Zahid Mohd Noordin, who said the foundation will continue to back athletes in their pursuit of excellence both in their respective sports and in academics.

   "We hope this will inspire the younger generation to pursue their dreams of becoming successful athletes. As an agency backing cyclists, we hope other agencies step forward and help athletes in other sports pursue their dreams," said Wan Mohd Zahid.

Read more: NST