While most university students are still deciding on a single path, Muhammad Raziq has been quietly balancing four.
At 25, he is an undergraduate Psychology student at SIM–University at Buffalo (SIM-UB), a national tchoukball athlete, a youth coach, and a technical official. Each role demands focus, discipline and commitment. With support from SIM’s academic environment, he was able to manage all these commitments alongside his studies.
Finding the Right Environment to Grow
For student-athletes like Raziq, rigid academic schedules can clash with national training commitments and international competitions. Recognising this challenge early on, he chose SIM–University at Buffalo for its flexible and accommodating academic structure.
“The flexibility allowed me to balance and excel at both academic and sports commitments,” Raziq shared.
That flexibility, however, did not make things easier. Managing everything required careful planning. Each semester, Raziq mapped out assignments, tests, group work, training sessions, coaching responsibilities, and international competitions months in advance. The supportive structure provided by SIM allowed him to plan confidently while staying accountable across all areas of his life.
Studying Psychology also complemented his experiences in sport. “I’ve always been curious about how people think and react in different situations,” he said. Through the SIM–UB Psychology programme, he gained a deeper understanding of the science behind human behaviour and internal motivations, which has strengthened his ability to communicate clearly and support his teammates as well as the younger players he helps mentor.
A Journey That Began at Nine
Raziq’s tchoukball journey began at Beacon Primary School when he was nine. Drawn to the sport’s fast pace, teamwork, and emphasis on respect, he quickly developed a passion for the game. By 12, he was representing Singapore, gaining early exposure to competitive pressure.
At 17, after three consecutive third-place finishes, Raziq led his team to second place at the Asia Pacific Youth Tchoukball Championships.
“I remember breaking down right after the game,” he recalled. “It was something I had long dreamed of.”
These early experiences taught him that success is not defined by a single result, but by growth, resilience, and sustained effort over time.
Growing Into Leadership
As Raziq gained experience, coaches and teammates began entrusting him with more responsibility. He started mentoring younger players, assisting with team organisation, and supporting competitions both locally and internationally.
“The transition into leadership happened naturally,” Raziq reflected. “I learned that leadership is not about authority — it’s about working with people, not over them.”
At 24, Raziq took on his first major coaching role, leading the U16 Boys team to first place at the Tchoukball Geneva Indoors 2025.
“The biggest challenge was managing the players’ emotions and pressure, especially during close games. Some of them were competing at the international level for the first time.”
What stood out to him was not just the result, but the transformation he witnessed as the team built trust and confidence together.
Wearing Multiple Hats Under Pressure
At the same tournament, Raziq also competed as a national athlete. Over four days, he helped Singapore secure second place at the Tchoukball Geneva Indoors Nation’s Cup. Individually, he earned Silver in the Men’s category and Bronze in the Mixed category.
Balancing coaching and competing required constant mental shifts. “As a coach, my focus was on the team. As an athlete, I had to deliver under pressure,” he said. The experience strengthened his adaptability, which he attributes to both his athletic training and the academic support at SIM.
Recognition on the National Stage
In 2025, Raziq and his team were nominated for the Team of the Year Award at the Singapore Sports Awards and received the Meritorious Award from the Singapore National Olympic Council. The recognition reflected their consistent results and contributions to the sport, including second-place finishes at the Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) Invitation Competition 2024 and the Asia Pacific Tchoukball Championships.
Leadership Beyond Competition at SIM
On campus, Raziq remains deeply involved in the SIM Tchoukball Club, which achieved first place at the Singapore University Games (SUNIG) 2023 and strong performances in 2024 and 2025. As team captain since 2024, he led training sessions, developed strategies, and organised activities to strengthen team cohesion.
Under his leadership, the team recruited around 40 freshmen, organised friendly matches with other institutions, and arranged mentorship sessions with alumni to help players sharpen their skills and build confidence.
“Being a part of the SIM Tchoukball Club has enabled me to continue representing the sport while studying, honing my leadership skills, and contributing back by guiding younger athletes, making my student life at SIM meaningful and enriching. Something I may not find at another learning institution”
Supported When It Mattered Most
Balancing academics, training, coaching, and administrative responsibilities can be overwhelming, and Raziq credits SIM for providing crucial support.
Lecturers allowed alternative test arrangements and offered additional consultations, while friends helped him manage tight transitions between classes, training sessions, and coaching duties.
“This could only happen because of the flexibility and support provided by SIM,” he said.
Looking Ahead
Today, Raziq is most proud of growing from an athlete into a mentor and role model for younger players. As he prepares for graduation, he hopes to pursue a career in sports, clinical, or developmental psychology, where he can work closely with people and support their growth and well-being.
For students balancing passions alongside their studies, Raziq offers advice shaped by experience: stay disciplined, plan ahead, and don’t be afraid to ask for support.
His journey shows that with the right mindset, structure, and support system, it is possible to pursue multiple paths and grow meaningfully through all of them.