Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia’s reigning Southeast Asian Games women’s singles champion Selvaduray Kisona has decided to stay at Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) in Bukit Kiara during Deepavali that due to taking place on Saturday, November 14th. This was because the surge in new Covid-19 cases in her hometown, Seremban, and Klang Valley saw a combined of 464 total new Covid-19 cases on Thursday.
“BAM (Badminton Association of Malaysia) did give me permission to go home, but I decided to stay at ABM for the Deepavali celebration this time,” said Kisona.
“The COVID-19 cases in Seremban are quite high now, so I should not go home. This year I only celebrate with my teammates … after all this is not the first time I have celebrated Deepavali without my family,” added the 22-year-old.
Kisona, who studied at SJK (C) Yuk Hwa elementary school, is fluent in Mandarin, hoping the Deepavali could bring a brighter future in her badminton career. She also wished the COVID-19 pandemic could end soon.
“With that, we can return to a normal life just like before. I also hope to be a major badminton player in the world one day,” continued Kisona.
Kisona came from a badminton family. Her father is a police officer, and was a part-time coach for Negeri Sembilan, while mother S. Valarmathi as well as her older siblings – brothers Thinagaran and Mahendran and sister Kanmani – all played the game and competed in local tournaments.
In addition to Kisona, World No. 39 women’s doubles player, M. Thinaah also would celebrate the Festival of Lights at ABM with her teammates due to a surge in COVID-19 cases.
