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Wushu exponent Siti Khadijah Shahrem won a historic bronze in the women's sanda 60kg. Photo: SNOC/ Kong Chong Yew
She had just become Singapore’s first wushu exponent to win a women’s sanda medal at the SEA Games. But Siti Khadijah Shahrem was in tears after her 2-0 women's 60kg semi-final loss to Myanmar’s Hnin Nu Wah on Dec 14.
Having switched from silat to wushu just three months before the SEA Games, Khadijah was hoping to put up a better showing and reach the final.
She said: “Although I’m new to the sport, I definitely wanted to chase for the win… I’m feeling mixed emotions now. I wish I could’ve come in with a better game plan, a right set of mind. She was the better fighter today, but I’m looking forward to facing her in the ring again.
“But all this is a gift for me and a blessing in disguise for me to learn about this sport and to humble myself. Hopefully, with whatever I’ve learnt in time to come, it will allow me to be a better fighter.
“As much as I can say I’m grateful and humbled by the medal, I think it’s not enough. I’ll definitely chase for more in the years to come. I’m looking forward to next year, to recovering and being back in the ring chasing a higher achievement.”
Formerly a silat exponent, she switched to wushu only in August. Photo: SNOC/ Kong Chong Yew
Despite being on the back foot for most of the semi-final bout at the Ratthaprasasanabhakti Building, she never backed down. After losing the first round, she maintained her composure to keep the scores close in the second but fell short of forcing a deciding round and settled for the joint bronze.
After exchanging handshakes with her opponent, she was in tears as she was comforted by her teammates, coaches and parents.
She said: “I was definitely disappointed. I didn’t want to lose, especially because my parents travelled so far just to watch me fight, because I owe it to my coaches who have done so much for me and the country. That’s one of the reasons I chose to go outside my comfort zone.”
That same determination and fighting spirit was what enabled Khadijah to quickly master a new sport so that she could compete in the SEA Games after missing out on a spot on the silat team.
Since picking up wushu in August, she has adapted quickly to its challenges, such as getting hit directly in the face, throat and ribs as she used to wear guards all over in silat.
Siti Khadijah Shahrem and Adib Farhan Ramli are the first athletes to switch from silat to wushu in a cross-combat sports strategy programme. Photo: SNOC/ Kong Chong Yew
She, along with teammate Adib Farhan Ramli, is part of a cross-combat sports strategy programme introduced by Sport Singapore’s High Performance Sport Institute.
The pilot programme between the Singapore Silat Federation and the Singapore Wushu Dragon & Lion Dance Federation allows athletes from both sports to explore other forms of combat sports.
Khadijah said: “I’m very grateful for this initiative. It allows fighters like myself and Adib to explore more. I only look forward to getting more knowledge from these programmes and having to be a fighter, this exposure is what I need to humble myself, learn more and come back stronger.
“It’s definitely not a full stop here, I’m looking forward to coming back.”
The 33rd SEA Games are held in Thailand from 9 to 20 December 2025. 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.
