Studies and sports goes hand in hand, says M'sian young footballer's father

KUALA LUMPUR - Studies and sports goes hand in hand, says father of Malaysian young footballer Muhammad Soleh Ahmad Shukri.

Young athletes, Datuk Dr Ahmad Shukri Bin Md Salleh said, should strike a balance in managing both at the same time.

At first, the medical doctor at KPJ Damansara Specialist Hospital said it was hard to accept that his son had chosen to be a professional football player.

"But when I saw how committed and hardworking Soleh is towards his interest, I gave him my blessings.

"All I wanted was to see my son happy and enjoy what he does as long as it is not prohibited in Islam," he added.

However, Shukri stressed the importance of education and said that it should be prioritised as well.

"I can see that the more I support him in his sports, the more he puts effort into his studies as well," he added.

Soleh had completed the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) at Brainy Bunch, a private school located in Cyberjaya.

"The certificate is normally completed at the age of 18, but Soleh did a great job as he finished a year early at 17 years old," he added.