TMJ: It's not about the speed, this is not a sprint — it's a journey
KUALA LUMPUR: Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) owner Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sultan Ibrahim believes that the Southern Tigers' extraordinary success over the past decade has come from self-discipline, motivation, and gratitude — but above all, from embracing the journey rather than rushing to the destination.
In a recent conversation with New Zealand rugby great Sonny Bill Williams released on Instagram today, Tunku Mahkota Ismail reflected on JDT's meteoric rise from domestic hopefuls to a Southeast Asian powerhouse.
"It's not about the speed, this is not a sprint, it's a journey.
"When it comes to sports, when it comes to growth in every single factor, it's all about progress," said the Crown Prince of Johor.
Since Tunku Mahkota Ismail took over the club in 2013, JDT have won an astounding 30 titles in just 12 years, 29 of which are domestic trophies, including 11 straight Super League titles, while their international achievement came in 2015 when they became the first Malaysian club to win the AFC Cup.
Asked by Williams what it took to engineer such dominance, Tunku Mahkota Ismail credited three things: "First, obviously, self-discipline. Second, motivation. And then third, being grateful."
He added that while not every goal is achieved exactly as planned, the key lies in appreciating any progress made.
"If you have a target and we don't reach 100 per cent of what we want… to me, 50 per cent of something is better than 100 per cent of nothing," he said.
But even with all the silverware, Tunku Mahkota Ismail's focus remains grounded.
"Always enjoy the journey," he told Williams, reiterating a philosophy that has not only shaped JDT's success, but continues to inspire their evolution as he shared about family, his faith and beliefs.
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