| Fadhil Yunus |
BRUNEI Darussalam archer Siti Nurafiqah binti Haji Omar Ali Ra’aie will represent the country in the International Traditional Archery Festival in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia.
Siti Nurafiqah appeared to be in mixed emotions as she prepared for her competitive overseas meet after earning her ticket by winning the first-ever Ar-Rafi Archery Tournament last December.
“I am a bit nervous, happy and proud to be able to represent Brunei Darussalam for the first time in the traditional archery championship in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia,” Siti Nurafiqah said in an interview with the media at the Brunei International Airport yesterday.
Siti Nurafiqah has been preparing for the tournament, which attracts participants from Bulgaria, Slovakia and Romania training with her teammates.
“We also exchange knowledge and provide enough motivation. In a nutshell, each training we did as an athlete brings guidance to each other and helps us greatly in fine-tuning our technique of archery,” she added.
Asked on the targets of the young archer, Siti Nurafiqah replied, “The target is to continue the activity of archery whereby the sport of archery is sunnah Rasulullah (pbuh)”.
In realising the target, Siti Nurafiqah emphasised the need to be active in the field of archery by attending archery classes, taking part in training during, being involved in archery competitions and become an athlete.
“Other than that, the targets included gaining experience and deepening the understanding of archery by sharing knowledge with other athletes and teammates.”
Siti Nurafiqah also expressed her hopes to enhance the image of Brunei Darussalam in the global archery scene as well as upgrading the level of archery in the country.
“I also hope that it will help cultivate interest in archery in the country and to be known as a recreational sport,” said Siti Nurafiqah.
Siti Nurafiqah also expressed her gratitude to members of Ar-Rafi Archery, family, teammates for their support and lessons.
Organised by the Malaysian Traditional Archery Association, some 14 countries are taking part in the tournament.
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