Meet Azira, the wushu girl from Kelantan
diminutive Nor Azira Kamarudzaman from Kelantan did well to impress the crowd in the women’s nandao discipline at the Perak Malaysia Games wushu competition in Ipoh yesterday.
Standing at only 1.30-metre, Azira admitted she felt nervous, competing in wushu for the first time in the Malaysia Games.
She produced a 8.63 score, to come in seventh.
Sarawakian Lee Hui Xian won the gold on 9.54.
“I felt nervous as this is my first time competing in the Malaysia Games,” said the 13-year-old student of Kolej Matrikulasi Gopeng.
“I will be competing in the nanquan tomorrow.
“For me, it is not all about winning medals, what is more important is the experience that I gain.”
Nor Azira said she is glad to be competing in the Malaysia Games after failing several times in the state selection trials.
Azira, who is originally from Melaka, started training in wushu at the age of six after seeing her elder sister Nor Eliya involved in the sport.
“My sister broke her leg and after that she could not be active in wushu any more.
“My family didn’t stop me from competing and in fact have always supported me,” she said. “I do not have to take up a Malay martial art just because I am Malay.
“Wushu gives me satisfaction and happiness when I am performing (routines).”
Azira, who is coached by former national exponent Ho Mun Hua, trains daily, and she hopes to emerge victorious in future competitions.
Nor Azira Kamarudzaman Kelantan
Wushu
Oct 7, 2005
Batu Berendam, Melaka Sekolah Tinggi Cina Melaka