Brunei bag 7 bronze medals

Brunei silat exponents made the country proud at the World Silat Championship in Taman Mini Indah, Jakarta from November 14-19 by bagging seven bronze medals.

Umi Kalthum Abd. Karim, Ak Khairul Alimin Pg Hj Mohammad, Rudy Hj Adinin, Ramlee Hj Jaludin and Norhayati Hj Othman all struck bronze in one-to-one combat competition, while Rosida Hj Lamit, Noraisah Hj Ali and Dk Rosmawati Pg Hj Badaruddin won the bronze medal in the women's (seni) team event.

Rosida Hj Lamit won two bronze medals in the individual women's (seni) event and in the women's team event.

Most of the Brunei silat exponents were seasoned campaigners, representing the country in numerous international tournaments as well as the SEA Games last year. However, a few were new faces but they lived up to their billings and they did not disappoint the selectors' faith in them.

One of the new faces, Norhayati Hj Othman, managed to fight her way into the semis but unfortunately was beaten by her opponent from Thailand. Nonetheless she did remarkably well, considering her opponent is far more superior in technique.

Md Nazri, coach of the Brunei silat team, said this championship was a warm-up for the exponents for the SEA Games in Malaysia next year.

"Brunei silat exponents are now a force to be reckoned with and are destined for more glory in international tournaments," added Md Nazri.

"This is the first time Brunei had won so many medals and it's quite a pleasant surprise and an achievement especially with the two newcomers, Norhayati and Rudy. It was quite an achievement and it will be a moral booster for the exponents when they take on the best at the upcoming SEA Games," concluded Md Nazri.

However, Brunei's golden girl Umi Kalthum could only managed a bronze when she had to retire in the second round due to a knee injury.

She was winning on points in the first round against her Malaysian opponent but in the second round, Umi was forced to retire when her opponent fell on her already injured knee.

The tournament saw exponents from Asia, Europe and even Africa vying for honours. Brunei were represented by 17 exponents.

Written by AM ZUKARNAEN
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