Born into a world of shadows and blurs, Norrizan Nahar’s heart was filled with a dream — to run as a para athlete. Even without perfect sight, she loved the race track.
And now, her dream breathes life anew through her daughter, Anggun Kasturi. A champion in her own right, she races for Singapore, carrying forward her mother’s legacy.
A Childhood Dream
Norrizan, now 42, can only see clearly up to a distance of one to two meters. This visual impairment, caused by congenital cataracts, has been a part of her life since birth.
Despite numerous surgeries and medical procedures, her eyesight remains severely limited. Yet, her spirit remains unbroken.
In her primary school years, Norrizan experienced a taste of her dream. She represented Singapore in a friendly para athlete match in Malaysia, where she won a gold medal in sprinting.
However, the struggles of juggling schoolwork with her visual impairment forced her to put her sporting dreams on hold.
Source: Anggun Kasturi
A Mother’s Support and a Daughter’s Success
Years later, Norrizan’s daughter, Anggun, developed a love for running. Recognizing the same spark she once had, Norrizan encouraged Anggun to pursue her passion. She even facilitated Anggun’s training for para games.
Her support paid off when, at just 14 years old, Anggun was selected to represent Singapore at the 2017 Asian Youth Para Games in Dubai. The young para athlete seized the opportunity, winning a silver medal in the 100m event.
Life Lessons
The event turned out to be more than just a competition for Anggun.
“I met many people from different countries, including people with different disabilities that I had never encountered before,” she recalls.
She had no expectations of winning, but to her surprise, she triumphed over other athletes in her age category. The joy of receiving her medal on the podium and hearing her mates cheer for her is a memory she cherishes.
However, life threw a curveball at Anggun that year. She was diagnosed with glaucoma, causing further damage to her already impaired vision. But this setback didn’t dampen her spirit or her dreams of becoming a successful para athlete.
After a necessary break during the COVID-19 pandemic, Anggun resumed her training in 2022. As a business student at the Institute of Technical Education (ITE), she participates in track meets open to persons with and without disabilities.
Although she hasn’t won any medals yet, she relishes the thrill of competition and the fulfilment it brings.
A Para Athlete’s Vision for the Future
“Sprinting is not about winning. It’s about competing against yourself to improve,” says Anggun.
Source: International Paralympic Committee
She aspires to enhance her timing and participate in international competitions. Her ultimate goal? To prove that visual impairment doesn’t limit one’s ability to excel in sports.
Currently interning at a bouldering gym, Anggun dreams of becoming a running or sports coach after her studies.
“I want to be a sprinting queen. I believe that everybody has their own talent,” she asserts.
The Legacy of the Para Athlete Continues
Source: ITE College Central PE Department
Norrizan’s heart swelled with pride as she watched her daughter achieve what she had only dreamt of. She saw her unfulfilled journey being continued by Anggun, filling her with immense joy.
Norrizan and Anggun’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, passion, and dreams. They are living proof that visual impairment doesn’t have to be a barrier to achieving greatness.
Stories like Norrizan and Anggun’s inspire us all to reach for our dreams, despite the obstacles.
If their journey inspires you and want to support para athletes in your community, consider donating to local para athlete organizations or volunteering at local para games.
Together, we can help more individuals realize their dreams and continue the legacy of the para athlete.
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