| Fadhil Yunus |
SITI Nurafiqah binti Haji Omar Ali Ra’aie hit her ticket to the World Traditional Archery competition in Kuala Lumpur next year after emerging victorious in the Bendahara category of the 1st Annual Ar-Rafi Archery Tournament 2017 at the Royal Brunei Recreation Club yesterday.
The Bruneian archer accumulated a total of 94 points over three distances including the 10m, 15m and 20m to win the event by two points with Adi Wardi bin Idris in the runner-up finish having 92 points and Muhammad Zulazizi bin Bujang in a distant third with 75 points.
“I think this is very memorable because it is my first time. I didn’t actually get any target in class so it’s shocking that I can be part of the international archery,” said Siti Nurafiqah in an interview with the Weekend Bulletin.
With training taking place outdoors, she said the wet and muddy conditions made it difficult, adding that she trained at night.
“I only attended three classes in training due to the heavy rain. I had to commit myself.”
The win was even more shocking considering that Siti Nurafiqah, who was introduced to the sport by her sister, did not have her shooting target on during training.
“It was very shocking because I got so many bottles today (the event).”
Siti Nurafiqah revealed that she is interested in doing sports and her sister has encouraged her to join a class.
“I really like doing sports but I just don’t really get along with people. I keep telling myself and my sister always comforts me saying ‘you should go, go with other people and get along’.
“She brought me to Ar-Rafi for the very basic course and from there I started to learn that I should go outside and get more exposure,” she further added.
“I thank the coaches because I will be nothing without them as they always provide motivation and also my family for encouraging me to just shoot.
“The coach always said we have to be patient. It will always go out no matter what (the arrows). You have to be patient, you have to calm yourself and you don’t have to rush. It is putting yourself towards what you target for,” she said.
Meanwhile, Tan Chai Hong emerged winner in the Laksamana category after collecting a total of 134 points.
Presenting the prizes was Pengiran Haji Radno bin Pengiran Haji Md Tahir, Chairman of Ar-Rafi Archery Brunei.
According to Pengiran Haji Radno, the World Traditional Archery competition will feature participating countries from Turkey, Bulgaria, China, Korea, Hungary and France.
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