This August, national Rugby Sevens player Ms Nur Shuhadah Mohamed Abdul Gaffoor, 24, hopes to compete in the 29th South East Asia Games in Kuala Lumpur. Diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at the age of 17, she was advised by the doctor to stay off all sports because of her condition, which affects mainly her ankles, knees and wrists. In contrast to the common belief that only old people get arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis can affect both the young and old. Her joints used to swell after training and she would have to use a hot towel to ease the pain and reduce the swelling. The avid sportswoman was determined not to let her condition affect her passion in sports. Besides Rubgy Sevens, she also does multiple sports like soccer, handball, and hockey against her doctor's order. She tries her best to keep herself healthy and fit by watching her diet carefully and going for extra training by running and cycling on her own time. Over the last six years, her condition has become more manageable, as she keeps her condition at bay by taking medication once a day. The Straits Times executive photojournalist Kua Chee Siong documents an athlete's journey as a rheumatoid arthritis patient and her determination in overcoming pain for the love of the game.
Story published on: May 15, 2017 (straitstimes.com/singapore/not-giving-in-to-pain)