AT a time when most athletes are struggling due to the Covid-19 pandemic, 11-year-old squash prodigy Harleein Tan appears to be faring better than many.
The Negri Sembilan-born, who trains under Zulfiqar Khan and Hafifi Tarmidi, shot into the limelight in January when she claimed the Under-11 title at the prestigious British Junior Open.
It was a great achievement as she emerged as the only Malaysian winner this year. That success earned her significant recognition as Kolej Tuanku Ja'afar (KTJ) awarded her a full five-year scholarship, worth about RM300,000, to complete her secondary education.
And recently, Harleein was given an apparel sponsorship by Japanese retail company, Uniqlo.
"Earning the full scholarship from KTJ means a lot to me as the school is like my second home," said Harleein.
"And to get the Uniqlo sponsorship was something that I never expected.
"It's a big honour for me, that a giant retailer recognised a junior athlete like me, and I am thankful that Uniqlo appreciates an 11-year-old's efforts," she said.
"I hope to keep going and to be a professional squash player in the future. My goal is to win a gold medal if squash becomes an Olympic sport one day," she added.
Harleein's mother Sharmilaa Tan said: "We're thankful to Uniqlo because not many 11-year-olds get this kind of support.
"We spoke to Uniqlo after the British Juniors regarding difficulty in getting proper sports attire for kids.
"But then the Movement Control Order happened and everything was put off until last week when they called her to arrange for a tour of the sports utility wear and other outfits.
"Also not to forget KTJ as their principal Dr Glenn Moodie and the primary head James Twigg have been huge supporters of Harleein since she was five," added Sharmilaa.