Singapore's world No. 1 para archer Nur Syahidah Alim took a silver in the women's compound open at the 13th ASEAN Para Games in Thailand. Photo: SportSG/Jeremy Lee
Over a decade of perfecting the art of pulling a hefty bow, para archer Nur Syahidah has learnt a thing or two about precision under pressure.
Mostly that perfection, as much as athletes seek it, is mostly something you chase but never reach. It was with that mindset that she settled for silver in the women’s compound open on January 24, after a 138-142 defeat to Indonesia’s Teodora Audi Ayudia Ferelly.
It is the first time in four showings at the ASEAN Para Games that the Singaporean is not returning with gold, after she had triumphed at the 2015, 2017, and 2022 editions.
Few, if any, would feel the hurt more than the 40-year-old herself.
“I’ve been very grateful to have won this event multiple times since 2015, and I’m proud of that consistency,” said Syahidah.
“Coming into the final, I wasn’t in my optimal physical condition due to illness. I feel that earning a silver medal under those circumstances is something of an accomplishment I’m proud of. Sport is about adapting to challenges, and this was one of them.”
Flu meant depleted energy, a huge setback in a sport where steady breathing and strength are crucial to sharp shooting.
Said the world No. 1: “The gold medal match was competitive, and both of us performed at a high level. There are areas to refine in execution under pressure, particularly in managing performance when the body isn’t at its best.
“I still focused on executing my process and managing what I could to the best of my ability. This experience definitely gives me clarity on what to work on next.”
Still, returning to the APG stage was gratifying for the world No. 1, having missed the 2023 edition when para archery was not included on the roster.
She said: “It’s been meaningful. The APG stage is always special, and coming back reminded me of the level and intensity required here. It was also a good checkpoint for where I am technically and mentally, especially after a season of adjustments and learning.”
Many of these learnings have come in the past year, after she was dealt a tough lesson in faltering on the grandest stage of all.
At the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, Syahidah’s hopes were dashed after her run ended in the last-16 stage.
She said: “Paris was a challenging experience, but it was also an important one. It forced me to reflect honestly on my perspectives and approach to my archery journey, as well as identify areas I needed to strengthen, both mentally and technically.
“Those lessons have made me more open-minded and intentional in how I train and compete today.
I’ve learnt to narrow my focus. Instead of thinking about outcomes or expectations, I bring my attention back to what I can control, which is my process and my breathing. It’s still a work in progress.
”I’m more aware, more patient, and more adaptable. The Paralympics showed me how quickly conditions and momentum can change, and I’ve learnt to acknowledge and respond rather than react. That awareness has become one of my biggest strengths.”
Looking ahead, Syahidah knows there may still be many difficult lessons handed to her.
“This APG was an important start to my season. It highlighted areas I’m doing well in and areas that still need refinement before the Asian Para Games. More importantly, it gave me confidence that my process holds up under pressure, which is crucial heading into a big season.
“My focus is always on preparation and execution. I want to be a great archer that I can be proud of.”
The 13th ASEAN Para Games are held in Thailand from 20 to 26 January 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.