National pencak silat athletes in a group photo with the President of Brunei Darussalam Pencak Silat Federation, Pengiran Haji Mohammad bin Pengiran Ludin. – KHAIRIL HASSAN
BRUNEI Darussalam’s national pencak silat athletes yesterday received a warm welcome after arriving home from the Road to Asian Games 2018 in Padepokan, Jakarta.
Norleyermah binti Haji Raya continued her fine form in the international circuit when she struck silver in the Women’s Artistic event, while Zainorarif Zaini won bronze in the Men’s Class ‘D’ Tanding event.
The silver medalist said her rivals will likely be the same line-up as in the main competition.
“The competitors that I competed against will be the same ones that will take part in the Asian Games later this year,” said Norleyermah in an interview with the media.
“This is a warm-up for us to improve our play for the Asian Games,” she further added.
She said the national pencak silat team will have a short break before resuming training next month for the Asian Games.
Asked on the narrowest of margins of accomplishing gold after losing by a mere point against Philippines’s Cherry May Regaldo, she replied, “I’m a bit disappointed but we will improve on any weaknesses for the Asian Games which made me left short of that one point.
“But for sure I will get back that point,” she affirmed.
As the origin of silat came from Malay background, Norleyermah will battle hard to reach to the top.
The national pencak silat exponent also said the tournament’s venue was different compared to the SEA Games – where she also won silver – and saw an increased number of countries participating.
Present to welcome the contingent at the Brunei International Airport was the President of Brunei Darussalam Pencak Silat Federation, Pengiran Haji Mohammad bin Pengiran Ludin.
