SHAH ALAM, Sept 7 – Selangor para archer Muhammad Aizat Zaini wins gold for the state after topping the men’s individual compound qualification round, setting two new records in today's competition.
The 34-year-old athlete scored a total of 695 points for 72 arrows after collecting 354 points in the first round and 341 points in the second round, respectively at a distance of 50 meters.
The 695-point record beat the previous national 72-arrow record of 694 points held by Kedah archer Daneshen Govinda Rajan during the 2022 Para SUKMA in Kuala Lumpur.
Muhammad Aizat also created a new Para SUKMA record for 36 arrows by scoring 354 points in the first round, beating the previous record of 351 points also held by Daneshen in the same edition.
The achievement saw Muhammad Aizat surpass his challenger from Perak, Mohamad Saiful Abdul Manan who came in second with 666 points, while Sabah archer Mohd Fakrul Azam Roslen came in third with 662 points.
"Alhamdulillah, I am satisfied with today's performance. At the same time, I managed to break the national record.
"I am very happy and proud. Other state competitors are also increasing and I myself feel challenged, but I try to stay calm and focused," he said after finishing the competition at the Selangor State Youth and Sports Complex (KOMBES) here today.
Muhammad Aizat said calmness, focus and always remembering the coach's instructions were among the keys to his success when competing.
"We have to stay calm, focus and remember what the coach says. The most important thing is to enjoy the competition and not put too much pressure on yourself," he said.
He also described the support of his teammates, coaches and family as a source of motivation to continue improving his performance, especially after being blessed with a baby last April.
This edition is his third appearance at the Para SUKMA after winning a silver in the team event during his debut in Kuala Lumpur.
He also scored two golds and a bronze in the Sarawak edition.
Muhammad Aizat said he will continue his challenge in the Olympic round, team events and mixed team events.
Meanwhile, Selangor Para Archery coach Muhammad Hazwan Abdul Hamid described Muhammad Aizat’s performance as encouraging despite facing several challenges including health factors ahead of the tournament.
"Alhamdulillah, yesterday we achieved gold and today another gold medal. The athletes' performance was very encouraging and Muhammad Aizat also managed to break records.
"Their performance is improving day by day. Even though some are not healthy, they are still able to maintain their performance and discipline," he added.
Hazwan said the Selangor squad still has targets in individual and team events, with each athlete expected to maintain momentum and give their best performance in the next competition.
