KUALA LUMPUR: He almost quit the sport five years ago but Faizul M. Nasir has since gone from strength to strength with his performances recently earning him a deserved spot in the Podium Programme.
And Faizul is determined to prove a point by delivering a gold medal when the sport makes its long awaited debut at the Asian Games in Indonesia next year.
The 29-year-old won the men's under 55-kg class olahraga gold at the 2015 Singapore Sea Games and then defended it at the Kuala Lumpur Sea Games in August. He also has a bronze medal from the 2015 World Championships (Phuket) in his collection.
"I was frustrated (in 2012) because I was not selected for the national team despite performing well...I was a bit impatient then," said the Kedah-born exponent.
"But my coach then told me to keep trying and I am glad I did as I would not have achieved what I have today had I quit.
"I am happy with my achievements so far but there are two things still missing for me - an Asian Games and a World Championship gold.
"I honestly believe I have a realistic shot at winning in Indonesia next year as most of the best exponents are from Southeast Asia but obviously, I cannot afford to take anything for granted."
Faizul believes that his Podium Programme inclusion will allow him to take his game to the next level.
"I am really looking forward to what the Podium Programm has in store as on paper it is a huge step up from the ‘Kita Juara’ initiative.
"Competing in a light weight class requires me to be faster and more explosive with my moves and I feel that this aspect can be improved on through sports science.”