DTM 6th batch Zohid Akramov from Uzbekistan and Umaimah Husni from Malaysia are the newest couple to arise in DTM. Their determination to get married in the middle of the COVID19 pandemic shows that love verily overcomes all. Here is an interview with the newlyweds.
Hello, newlyweds! Congratulations on your marriage, and we are so glad that your 2020 will be not only a year of COVID but also a year of your marriage. How did you decide to get married instead of delaying your marriage until maybe after COVID?
Zohid: We both understood that COVID would not end any time soon. Initially we planned to get married after my internship in Korea with the Korean Tennis Association, but circumstances changed when the world was hit by COVID. After getting back to Uzbekistan, we started to plan our marriage. Since Malaysia closed its borders to everyone and the situation in Uzbekistan was getting better, we figured that Umaimah would visit Uzbekistan, and we get married there.
What were some difficulties of getting married during COVID?
Umaimah: Malaysia implemented very strict measures to combat COVID in the country; hence, to exit and enter Malaysia was troublesome. I had to get special permission from several government agencies to exit Malaysia. Lots of paperwork, I would say. We also faced lots of bureaucratic in Uzbekistan, but we managed to settle the problems during my stay.
Enough about marriage, you are the fourth DTM couple, and we love to see families form within the DTM family. Could we ask since when did you start dating, and was it love at first sight?
Zohid: It wasn’t love from first sight, that’s for sure. But interestingly, we were the first ones to arrive to Korea. So I have known her longer than anyone else. We started dating each other probably after 4 months being in Korea.
Umaimah: Working in group projects made us closer to each other. We easily understood one another as we had similar ideas. For me, I felt that we completed each other. I clearly remember the first day in Korea. It was 21 August 2018. Right after 4 months, 21 December 2018, we confessed to each other.
What are some traits of each other that you both love?
Zohid: I am a foodie man. I like eating delicious food. I spent 4 years in Malaysia while pursuing my Bachelor’s degree. I requested her to cook something for me since I missed Malaysian food. To my surprise Umaimah agreed and cooked really well. Then I realized how caring she was. She would always share her portion with me
Umaimah: I love his attitude. He would always support me in my tough times and encourage me. I can always rely on him. He is the man I trust.
You both come from different backgrounds and cultures. What aspect of the culture or background do you love about each other?
Zohid: Since I studied in Malaysia, I was quite familiar with their culture. Maybe that’s why it was easy for me to get along with her.
Umaimah: In my case, he was the first Uzbek I had ever met. I didn’t know much about his culture until recently, when I went to Uzbekistan and spent one month. It was quite an experience. I liked how they appreciate family and try to spend time with each other.
Did you ever imagine that you would find your life partners at DTM?
Zohid: Never did it come to my mind that I’d fall in love with a foreigner. It also never occurred to me that I’d create a family with one.
Umaimah: Never. Hahahaha
When you told your friends and families back home about each other, how did they respond?
Zohid: My family was quite surprised. Later they told me that they had a discussion at home and maybe try to talk me out of this. But then they realized that it was my choice and respected it. When Umaimah visited Uzbekistan, she instantly became a member of our family.
Umaimah: My family was really happy, especially my mom. She has supported me from the beginning.
Now that you are married, where do you plan to relocate and what are your future plans?
Zohid: After getting married in Uzbekistan and spending one month, we travelled to Malaysia because we needed to get legally married in this country too. Currently, the country is in another lockdown. Many government institutions work remotely and getting appointments quite difficult. However, we are planning to settle down here, and I am confident that our future together in Malaysia will be great.
Umaimah: Zohid had to sacrifice his job in order for us to be together. I really appreciate that. We are going to start new chapter of our lives here in Malaysia and see how it goes.
Congratulations once again on your marriage!
