Beyond the Court: My Commitment to Building a Lasting Future for My Son

Behind every young athlete striving for excellence, there is always a support system working quietly but relentlessly. For me, as a father to my son Putra Assolihin, that support goes far beyond simply cheering from the sidelines. Long-term planning, discipline, and a forward-looking mindset moulded to meet the demands of today.  

My role as a father is not limited to supporting Putra’s performance on the court. I see it as my responsibility to help him build a sustainable future combining athletic ambitions with personal branding, financial resilience, and opportunities for growth beyond competitive badminton. 

Preparing for the Modern Athlete’s Reality 

Badminton has always demanded discipline, resilience, and excellence. But today, I know that success in sport requires much more than just winning matches. Athletes are expected to manage media presence, engage with audiences, build partnerships, and secure financial stability, all while maintaining peak performance. Recognising this change early on, I made a conscious decision to approach Putra’s development holistically. I am not just raising an athlete; I am preparing my son to navigate the demands of modern sport and the digital platform responsibly and confidently. 

Supporting His Growth Through Structured Planning 

Putra’s journey through badminton began at the age of 5, with structured training beginning at the age of 7 before gradually progressing through local and national tournaments, including Astro Kem Badminton. While performance remains our main focus, I place great importance on careful planning to balance his training, competition schedule, education, and content commitments. 

Every tournament we choose is part of a larger strategy to give him the right exposure at the right time, whether locally, nationally, or internationally. At the same time, I am mindful of avoiding burnout. For me, it is important that his foundation in the sport remains strong and uncompromised by external pressures. If he does not feel that a tournament can benefit him or is not ready to enter, we skip it.  

Building a Digital Presence with Purpose 

I noticed early on that badminton in Malaysia has relatively untapped potential in the digital space. I saw both a gap and an opportunity to share Putra’s experiences with other parents and kids who are interested in badminton.  

We began creating content organically, sharing Putra’s journey through weekly posts on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Rather than chasing viral trends, I chose to document his training routines, competition preparation, recovery, discipline, and personal growth. Things that I felt can resonate with other people more. It’s been a learning curve for both me and Putra, he had to learn to be comfortable in front of the camera while I learned to record and edit. It was simple things at first, and slowly we are working towards higher production value and better content.  

To me, this is more than content creation. It is about building a bridge—connecting athletes like Putra with audiences, sponsors, and future partners. I am careful about the partnerships we engage in, ensuring they align with our values. I want Putra to grow in a way that is authentic and responsible, without ever losing sight of what truly matters. 

Discipline, Education, and Clear Priorities 

There is often a misconception that content creation can distract from training or academics. I have made sure that in our journey; the opposite is true. Everything we do is structured and intentional. Content production is scheduled around his training and competitions, never the other way around. His athletic development is non-negotiable, and his education is equally as important. No matter where tournaments take us, I ensure he stays consistent with his studies whether it is his mainstream subjects or Quranic studies.  

Communication is another area I prioritise strongly. With my background in public speaking, I guide him to develop confidence in expressing himself. I believe this is a crucial skill—not only in sport, but in life—especially if he is to lead, inspire, and represent himself well in the future. 

Creating Financial Stability and Entrepreneurial Thinking 

I am fully aware that a career in badminton, like many sports, is finite and unpredictable. Injuries, selection challenges, and competition cycles can change everything in an instant. That is why I have taken proactive steps to introduce Putra to the importance of income diversification. Through carefully selected collaborations and ambassador roles that align with our values and long-term goals. Authenticity will always take precedence over short-term gain. 

One of the proudest moments for me was when Putra’s social media efforts generated enough income for him to contribute meaningfully to our household. It was a powerful reminder that digital platforms, when used wisely, can become a sustainable source of income. It was not too long ago that other parents were questioning our methods, rightfully so since we were treading into uncharted territory, but now this is a model that others can adopt for themselves.  

Looking ahead, we are exploring opportunities together—sports nutrition, fitness-related ventures, and even the possibility of a badminton equipment retail business. Every idea is carefully discussed, researched, and aligned with Putra’s interests and growth. 

A Vision Beyond Just My Son 

This journey is not only about Putra. I see it as something bigger—a contribution to the future of badminton in Malaysia. By combining athletic excellence, digital presence, and business awareness, I hope we can help redefine what a sustainable badminton career looks like. I want other parents and young athletes to see that success today requires more than talent alone. It requires preparation, visibility, and financial foresight. 

Malaysian badminton has tremendous potential, and I truly believe the next generation can thrive both on and off the court with the right mindset. 

A Father’s Role 

At the heart of everything, I remind myself that supporting my child’s dream is more than just showing up on match day. It means walking alongside him, learning with him, adapting to change, and sometimes stepping into unfamiliar territory to build new paths where none existed before. Because for me, this journey has always been about one thing: giving my son the best possible chance at a brighter, more secure future.