RUNNING and jogging have not only strengthened University Selangor student, A. Manissha, it has helped her cultivate a more positive outlook.
The Jinjang-born girl was only 12 when she went through severe depression after her father's sudden death in 2011 from a heart attack, at which point, she felt it was the end of the world.
“I just could not accept the fact that my dad was no longer with me. Many people tried to console me but it didn’t work,” said Manissha, who was feeling suicidal and wanted to end her life.
Looking at her predicament, her concerned uncle, D. Sathianathan, stepped in and encouraged her to run.
“At first I was reluctant, but then I thought I would give it a try," said Manissha.
It was a masterstroke, as what started off as a new hobby led to a cross-country win at the MSSM in Kelantan in 2013, which inspired her to take up athletics on a professional basis.
After qualifying for the Bukit Jalil Sports School training programme, Manissha had her first break at the Asean School in Marikina, Philippines, where she finished a creditable sixth in the 3000m category.
She represented Selangor in three national SUKMA Games, winning two silvers in 1500m and 5000m in 2014 in Perlis as well as two silvers in the 3000m steeplechase ─ one in Sarawak in 2016 and the other in Perak in 2018.
Considering all that she has endured in her early life, these athletic feats were remarkable achievements.
“Running has changed my perspective of life. I started believing in myself ─ that if I put my heart into it ─ I can accomplish anything," she said.
“I’ve developed a never-give-up attitude ─ even If I lose a race, I am determined to do better in the next one ─ and I approach life the same way.”
Manissha is currently pursuing her degree in Human Resource Management in University Selangor (UNISEL) in Shah Alam.
Upon graduating, Manissha intends to join the police force as she wants a challenging profession that can be of service to society.
She told The Vibes that as an athlete, 2020 was a challenging year because of the ongoing pandemic.
“Although it was very difficult ─ as I’m used to running outdoors ─ I had to become more creative and start training at home," she said.
She also said that running has given her the opportunity to travel and meet a lot of new people.
“I also made some money along the way (through my road race competitions), which I’m using for my daily expenses at university," she added.
Manissha encourages more youngsters to take up running as she believes it can make a difference to one's life.
Manissha is currently training for the SUKMA Games, which has been scheduled for next year in Johor after being postponed last year as a result of the pandemic.
In what will be her final appearance, she will be competing in the 5000 and 3000m steeplechase event.
“As this will be my last SUKMA, naturally, I want to cherish it by winning the gold." she said.
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CASSANDRA Devi Jeremiah’s love affair with the beautiful game of football started way back when she was only eight.
Now 28, the 2016 Miss Malaysia Tourism International Queen pursued the sport religiously to become a national goalkeeper.
Born in Penampang, Sabah, Cassandra believes women need to push the envelope and not limit themselves.
Aside from wanting to start her own business, this former beauty queen dreams of becoming the first female to head the women’s football squad.
“Football taught me to be tough because strength does not come from physical capacity alone; it comes from having an indomitable will.
“Never hesitate to test your capabilities because you might surprise yourself. Wake up every day to push yourself to be the best-ever version of yourself; you are your own competition and your own motivation,” said Cassandra, who is now an assistant coach for the University Malaya women’s futsal team.
Cassandra, who is also an executive in the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), reminisces on her football experiences as a child.
“The boys used to tease me, saying football is not meant for girls, and would not allow me to play with them. I was determined and started training myself. After some time, they saw my skills and let me join them,” she said with a laugh.
Cassandra said that both beauty pageantry and sports have taught her valuable life lessons.
“Both worlds taught me to be independent, focused, ambitious, and that we set our own limits because our physical selves can be pushed to do almost anything ─ it’s our mind that needs to be convinced.
She said it takes proper time management and discipline to excel in all her pursuits.
“I have a rigid schedule that I live by. It is difficult, but practice makes perfect.”
Cassandra said she wants to instil values in people and coaching is one way of doing it.
“I really want to be the first female coach to train the Malaysian women’s team. It will take some time as I need to equip myself with the knowledge and skills to obtain the necessary coaching license.
“Slowly, but surely, I believe I can achieve my goal.” ─ The Vibes, 30 January, 2021
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