Why are you running as a candidate for the ISSA Athletes' Commission?
"To ensure that athletes’ voices remain at the heart of decision-
making. Throughout my career, I have experienced both the
triumphs and challenges of elite sport, which have given me a deep
understanding of the support athletes need to thrive both on and
off the field.
I believe the Athletes’ Commission plays a vital role in shaping
policies that directly impact athletes’ well-being, rights, and
opportunities. By serving on the AC, I aim to represent the
perspectives of athletes from diverse backgrounds and regions.
My priorities include strengthening communication between
athletes and ISSA AC, promoting fair and transparent pathways for
athlete development, and supporting initiatives that address needs
such as mental health, education, and life after sport. I am also
committed to advancing diversity and gender equality within the
sporting community, ensuring that every athlete feels seen and
valued.
I want to use my experience to advocate for present and future
generations of athletes. I believe that by working together, we can
create an environment where every athlete has the chance to
achieve their potential and to feel proud of their contribution to
sport."
I bring a wealth of experience gained on the international stage,
competing at the highest level and representing my country with
pride. These experiences have taught me resilience, teamwork, and
leadership - qualities I believe are essential for serving effectively
on the ISSA Athletes’ Commission.
Beyond competition, I have actively engaged with athletes in my
region and internationally, listening to their concerns and
advocating for better support systems. I have also organized
several workshops, including the A365 Career+ Outreach program,
participated in panel discussions, visited schools to inspire younger
generations, and contributed to initiatives designed to drive
positive change.
My journey further allows me to bring a unique perspective to the
AC, championing diversity, inclusion, and gender equality. I am
committed to ensuring that all athletes feel represented and
empowered.
With my combined sporting achievements and advocacy
experience, I am ready to contribute to shaping policies and
initiatives that truly reflect the needs of athletes worldwide.
I am deeply committed to representing their voices with integrity,
transparency, and passion. As a 3x Olympian, I understand the
challenges and opportunities that come with competing at the
highest level. I have lived the athlete journey, celebrating
successes, overcoming setbacks, and balancing sport with
education and life beyond competition.
Beyond my sporting career, I have actively worked (also with NOC
AC) to give back to the athlete community. These experiences have
strengthened my ability to listen, engage, and advocate for
athletes from all backgrounds.
One of the biggest challenges I have faced was finding the right
balance between the demands of training, competition,
education/work, and personal life (different stages, such as
student, employee, a mother). The commitment required to
perform at the highest level can be physically and mentally
demanding, and sometimes this makes it difficult to maintain
balance.
I believe however, such challenges were not obstacles because
with the right structures, mentorship, and resources in place, I was
able to thrive during my sporting career and feel more prepared for
the future. I see these challenges as an opportunity for
organizations like ISSA to invest more in athlete development and
wellbeing, ensuring that athletes are set up for success both on
and off the field.
I come from a sporting background, as my father was a former
goalkeeper (Asian and GCC Champion), and this inspired me from
an early age to appreciate the values and discipline that sport
brings. At school, I always enjoyed PE classes and took part in
many after-school activities, which helped me develop a love for
movement and teamwork. Sport was not only something I enjoyed
but also something that gave me balance and it allowed me to
manage stress and build confidence.
I also found that leading a healthy and active lifestyle improved my
academic performance, as it taught me discipline, time
management, and focus. These experiences shaped my passion for
sport and reinforced my belief that it is a powerful tool for personal
growth and wellbeing. This early involvement has stayed with me
and continues to motivate me to contribute positively to the
sporting community.
Sport has had a profound impact on my life, shaping who I am both
as an individual and as a professional. From a young age, it taught
me the values of discipline, commitment, and perseverance -
qualities that extend far beyond the playing field. The routine of
training and competition helped me develop resilience, while also
teaching me how to work as part of a team and respect others.
Sport also contributed to my wellbeing. Staying active gave me
balance, helped reduce stress, and supported a healthy lifestyle
that improved my focus and performance in other areas, including
education. I found that the lessons learned in sport, such as goal-
setting, managing pressure, and maintaining balance were equally
valuable in school/university, work, and everyday life.
Most importantly, sport has given me a sense of community and
belonging. It connected me with people from different
backgrounds, cultures, and experiences, and it showed me the
power of sport as a universal language that brings people together.
The impact of these experiences continues to guide my passion for
giving back and ensuring other athletes can benefit in the same
way.
Strengthening athlete representation.
Promoting athlete wellbeing.
Community Engagement.
Responsible - Empathetic - Dedicated
I am passionate about sport as a tool for personal growth and
positive change. I believe strongly in the values of teamwork,
integrity, and resilience that sport teaches.
In addition, I care deeply about wellbeing, as I know how important
balance, mental health, and a healthy lifestyle are for performance
and long-term success. What drives me is the opportunity to use
my experiences to give back, inspire others, and contribute to
creating an environment where every athlete feels supported and
empowered.
Athletes are at the very heart of sport, and their experiences,
challenges, and aspirations should directly shape the decisions
that affect them. Policies and programs need to be designed while
fully considering the realities that athletes face on a daily basis. By
giving athletes a platform to speak and be heard, organizations
ensure that sport remains athlete-centered, fair, and inclusive.
I also believe the athletes’ voice is essential for building trust and
accountability within sports governance. When athletes know their
perspectives matter, they feel empowered and engaged, which
strengthens the entire sporting community. For me, it is not only
about raising concerns but also about contributing ideas, solutions,
and feedback that can drive positive change.
The athletes’ voice ensures that sport continues to serve its true
purpose and supporting the growth, wellbeing, and success of
athletes, while upholding the values of fairness, respect, and
integrity.
