SEA Games 2025: Meaningful medals for silat exponents

(from left): Muhammad Affiz Mohamed Zakri, Muhammadinil Mustafar Mohd Isa and Nazrul Mohd Kamal Muhammad. Photo: SportSG/ Dejbordin Limsupanark

Silat exponent Nazrul Mohd Kamal Muhammad has stood at the top of the SEA Games podium before, but winning the men’s regu silver at the 2025 edition is significant for a different reason. 

The 33rd SEA Games is his teammate Muhammad Affiz Mohamed Zakri’s last, and Dec 14 marked the last time that the two of them, along with Muhammadinil Mustafar Mohd Isa, competed as a regu team.  

The trio scored 9.935 points to defending champion Indonesia’s 9.965 in the final at the Impact Forum in Bangkok. Fellow Singaporean Nurin Insyirah Mohamed Aidil won the joint bronze in the women’s tunggal event. 

(from left): Muhammad Affiz Mohamed Zakri, Muhammadinil Mustafar Mohd Isa and Nazrul Mohd Kamal Muhammad won silver in the men's regular at the 33rd SEA Games. Photo: SportSG/ Dejbordin Limsupanark

Nazrul, who won the men’s regu title at the 2019 Games with Hamillatu Arash Juffrie and Nujaid Hasif Zainal Abidin, said: “The 2019 team was talented. But this was the most hardworking team I’ve ever worked with. Throughout the journey there were a lot of setbacks. But we worked really hard. I’ve had three SEA Games with (Mustafar), two SEA Games with Affiz. So this silver medal – even though it’s not the colour that we want, it means the world to me.” 

Mustafar added that knowing it would be their teammate’s last Games made fuelled their determination to deliver a successful campaign. 

“(We decided) we’re going to end it with a bang,” said the 29-year-old, adding that the challenges of balancing full-time work with training was worth it. 

“It has always been our dream to compete with the best in the world. Indonesia are the current SEA Games and world champions. If you want to be the best, you have to go up against the best.” 

(from left): This is Muhammad Affiz Mohamed Zakri's (right) last SEA Games. He bagged the men's regu silver together with Muhammadinil Mustafar Mohd Isa (centre) and Nazrul Mohd Kamal Muhammad (left) on Dec 14. Photo: SportSG/ Dejbordin Limsupanark

Affiz, who will be stepping away from the sport to focus on his work as a police officer, recalled experiencing flashbacks of his silat journey while performing his routine during the semi-finals.

“I’m glad we were able to end this on a positive note, going up against the defending champions and giving them a good fight,” added the 24-year-old. 

“The journey being an athlete is such a rewarding one. There are many key takeaways, such as your attitude towards certain things. You can put importance on being the best and being disciplined but at the end of the day, don’t forget to have fun. Which I did, with my teammates right here.” 

Nurin Insyirah Mohamed Aidil is spurred by her showing at her maiden SEA Games in Bangkok. Photo: SportSG/ Dejbordin Limsupanark

For Nurin, clinching a medal on her first SEA Games outing was a “wow” moment, despite the mild disappointment of missing out on a place in the final. 

The 21-year-old, who was pleased to note her scores at these Games had improved from previous competitions, said: “No one wants to get a bronze or silver, they all want the gold. What I can do now is improve and just push through and get a better medal at the next competition and next SEA Games.”

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.