Asian Para Games 2026: Syahidah’s Silver Marks Another Step in Quest to Become "Unshaken Archer"

Syahidah claimed her second successive Games silver. Photo: SNPC/Goh Si Wei

Archer Nur Syahidah Alim brought back Singapore’s second Games medal in the sport after clinching a silver in the para compound women's event.

The Hangzhou silver medallist faced India’s Paralympic bronze medallist Devi Sheetal in the decider, a rematch of the final three years earlier.

There, Syahidah raced to a strong start with a perfect second end to lead by four points but eventually settled for silver as Sheetal, who broke the world record with a 149 score in the round of 16, produced two perfect ends to win 142-139.

Still, it was a positive campaign for the 41-year-old who “did the best I could” despite the gusty conditions at the Okazaki Chuo Sogo Park Multipurpose Square on Thursday (Oct 22) afternoon.

“I am feeling good. I've been talking to my coach about it and reflecting on it with the team as well, and I am very happy with the performance since day one of the competition. So taking the medal for Singapore is actually a bonus for me,” she said.

Medals aside, the veteran athlete has been working towards a new goal.

“My mindset has changed (since Hangzhou). With the help of the team and my sports psychologist, we are working towards becoming the unshaken archer. So, regardless of what happens at the shooting line, I remain grounded and calm. All this requires a lot of practice, but I think it shows from my shooting and the strategies that I have applied,” said Syahidah, who has added crossword puzzles to her repertoire of mental exercises.

Syahidah enjoyed a positive campaign in Nagoya. Photo: SNPC/ Goh Si Wei

Even before Thursday’s gold medal match, Syahidah had already shown remarkable composure in qualification and the knockouts.

On Monday’s (Oct 19) ranking round, she opened with 340 in her first 36 arrows to sit in fifth but clawed her way into second with a final 343 to finish on 683 in qualifying.

The second seed earned herself a bye into the round of 16, where she beat Kazakh Zhanat Aitimova 143-139, an opponent she had beaten in April to secure bronze at the Bangkok 2026 Hyundai World Archery Para Series.

Wins against fellow Kazakh Aizada Seidan by the same scoreline set her up for a semi-final clash against China’s Xu Xueqing.

She held her nerves well to beat Xu by a solitary point (145-144).

“The most challenging one was definitely the semi-finals. It was more about focusing on the present moment. Both of us were shooting really well. Our scores were like neck and neck, and you don't know who will be going to the next round.

“But for me, I just control what I need and can control at the shooting line, and also continuously focus on what I need to do.”

As she looks ahead to an “important year” in 2027 where qualification spots for the Los Angeles Paralympics 2028 are up for grabs, Syahidah was thankful to be a part of the Asian Para Games, describing it as the “best opportunity for me to actually reflect and see how much we can improve to work towards LA”.

“Expect the unexpected… and be in the here and now. That’s the most important,” she said, sharing some of the lessons she hopes to bring back to Singapore.

The 5th Asian Para Games are held in Japan from 18 to 24 October 2026. For the latest Team Singapore coverage and news, follow Team Singapore on their social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok) or visit the official Team Singapore website.