Venue switch no problem as Fatin’s just aiming to strike gold again
PETALING JAYA: Woman compound archer Fatin Nurfatehah Mat Salleh is not concerned as to where the event will be held during the KL SEA Games this August.
All she cares about is developing her mental toughness and to rise to the occasion again at the Kuala Lumpur SEA Games from Aug 19-30.
The 26-year-old Fatin showed that she is in prime form heading into the KL Games when she delivered the lone gold medal for Malaysia in the Asian University Games in Nilai, Negri Sembilan, two weeks ago.
Fatin will be called upon again to contribute to what may turn out to be the first gold medal for Malaysia in the women’s team compound event, which is scheduled for Aug 16.
Malaysia bagged five out the 10 gold medals at stake in archery at the last SEA Games in Singapore two years ago.
Fatin contributed three out of the four golds won from compound – in the women’s individual, team and mixed event partnering Mohd Juwaidi Mazuki.
“I need to be mentally strong during the competition. We could possibly get the first gold for Malaysia as the archery competitions will start early.
“I did very well in Singapore two years ago ... I hope to repeat that.
“We may be competing at home, but there is added pressure due to the higher expectations.
“Physically, I’m in very good shape and I’m more focused on being strong mentally for the SEA Games.
“That’s what will decide whether we get the gold or the silver,” said the Kota Kinabalu-born archer.
The compound archery compe- tition is supposed to be held at Dataran Merdeka, but the venue may not be available due to preparations for the Merdeka Day celebrations on Aug 31.
The National Sports Council archery field, which is also the training ground for the national team, and the Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia in Nilai, are possible venues.
“That shouldn’t be a problem as we have competed at these venues before. Personally, I feel it would be better to have it at Dataran Merdeka as we will get a bigger crowd. I love competing in this kind of environment,” said Fatin.