SUKMA: Rizq Arif-Ieka Hariesya Clinch Selangor’s First Archery Gold

BANGI, Aug 22 (Bernama) -- The chemistry between Selangor’s Muhammad Rizq Arif Kharul Nezam and Nur Ieka Hariesya Zainal Habsahli paid off as they delivered the host contingent’s first archery gold medal at the 2026 Malaysia Games (SUKMA) in the mixed team recurve event.

Their 6-0 victory over Penang representatives Ammar Muhaimin Md Shuhaidi and M. Khiritigaa at the National Institute of Valuation (INSPEN) Stadium here marked a special moment for both athletes as it was their first SUKMA gold medal.

Rizq Arif, making his second SUKMA appearance, described the victory as a meaningful reward after failing to win a medal at his previous Games.

“Alhamdulillah, I am very happy to have been blessed with a gold medal. This is my first SUKMA gold and I am very excited,” he said when met after the competition.

For Ieka Hariesya, the victory was also particularly meaningful after she previously won silver medals in the individual and team events at SUKMA Sarawak.

She said the presence of her parents, who came to show their support in person, was one of the factors that motivated her to deliver her best performance.

“They have not come to support me at competitions for a long time because they did not want to disrupt my preparations. But this time, when they came, I felt very appreciated and wanted to fight for them too. So, this medal is a gift for them,” she said.

The pair’s success was also driven by the chemistry they had developed since joining the national squad earlier this year.

Rizq Arif said training together and their close relationship had helped them develop good understanding when competing in the mixed event.

“We have been training together in the national squad since the beginning of the year. We are very close and our chemistry is already very good. When we got the opportunity to partner up at SUKMA, we were able to perform together and win gold for Selangor,” he said.

-- BERNAMA