SUKMA: Three Johor Schoolgirls Topple Defending Champions Kedah For Archery Gold

KAJANG, Aug 22 (Bernama) -- Three young Johor archers pulled off a major upset by defeating defending champions Kedah to win the women’s team recurve gold at the 2026 Selangor Malaysia Games (SUKMA) today.

Making the achievement even sweeter, Nurin Iman Mohamed Sham, Nawal Buthainah Daing Muhamad Azmi and Nur Ayra Mahirah Rosihan Anwar had not initially been targeted to win a medal.

Competing at the National Institute of Valuation (INSPEN) Stadium, the Johor team followed up their surprise victory over Perlis in the semi-finals by defeating Kedah 6-2 in the final, securing Johor’s first gold medal in archery at this edition of the Games.

Nurin Iman said the achievement was particularly meaningful as they themselves had not expected to reach the final, let alone defeat defending champions Kedah.

“We never expected to win gold for the team. In the semi-finals, we faced a very strong Perlis side and at that point, we could not believe that we had beaten them.

“After making it to the final and winning gold, I was so happy that I felt like crying,” she said after the final.

She said the victory was doubly satisfying as the gold medal was Johor’s first in archery at the Games.

“This victory is very important because Johor had not won a gold medal so far. So, we are very proud to have delivered a gold medal for Johor in archery.

“That is why we jumped and celebrated with our coach. I am very grateful to our coach for continuing to encourage us even when some of our arrows went astray. He kept telling us to fight until the end,” she said, fighting back tears.

In the final, Kedah’s line-up of Ku Nurin Afiqah Ku Ruzaini, Nur Auni Aqilah Andri and Nur Auni Firdina Wafiqah Noor got off to a good start by winning the first end, but failed to maintain their momentum as Johor came back to win the next three ends.

Nurin Iman said their young age was not a barrier to success in archery, as confidence and the ability to control their technique are among the key factors.

“We are still young, in our teens and still in school. But in archery, anyone can get an arrow in. The most important thing is to be confident and know your own form or technique,” she said.

She also dedicated the achievement to everyone who had made sacrifices throughout their journey, including in terms of finances, training and the provision of equipment.

-- BERNAMA