Being the best that she can be

Petite Ninie Ahmad proves that size really doesn’t matter when you have the passion and belief to pursue your life’s calling.

BY WAN KER-HSIN

Not one to be discouraged by the National Fatwa Council’s recent ruling that yoga is haram or ‘unlawful’ for Muslims, or swayed from her passion for yoga, Ninie Ahmad, who is the official yoga ambassador for adidas Malaysia, has forged ahead with her dream to establish her own yoga studio.

HOW YOGA CHANGED HER LIFE
Athletic as a child, Ninie was disappointed when her love for staying active was hampered by the onset of asthma in her teens. Although her fitness wasn’t the issue, being asthmatic meant that competing in 100-meter sprint events was as far as she could go. “Any race longer than that and I’d get blue in the face at the finish line,” recalls Ninie.

Never having tried yoga until 1999, Ninie admits she had thought that the ancient practice was only for ‘older’ people. Her perception of yoga changed during her first class.“It was tougher than any training I had to endure as an athlete!” Now, she credits yoga for her improved flexibility, which has translated into fewer injuries.

Six months after discovering yoga and practicing it religiously, Ninie noticed another bonus: Her asthma was gone. “I’ve been asthma-free ever since!” Aside from its physical benefits, 27-year-old Ninie says that yoga has also helped build her self-esteem.