From an early age, Dayangku Raisya Nur Assyifa binti Pengiran Md Shamsul Al Amin showed a keen interest in various activities, but it was in taekwondo that she truly found her stride.
Her dedication to the sport has been evident in both her training and achievements, culminating in a historic milestone – becoming the youngest athlete in Brunei Darussalam to receive the Poom Belt certificate from the World Taekwondo Headquarters in South Korea.
Her journey in competitive taekwondo has been marked by steady progress and consistent success. In 2021, she secured silver and gold medals in the poomsae and Hanmadang events, a strong foundation that she built upon in the following years.
She claimed gold in both categories in 2022, followed by another silver and gold in 2023. Last year, she continued to make her mark with a gold medal in poomsae, reinforcing her position as one of Brunei’s promising young athletes.
Despite her youth, her passion and fighting spirit have propelled her onto numerous international stages.
In 2022, she made her international debut at the 1st Sarawak Open International Taekwondo Competition, where she clinched a gold medal in the poomsae (individual) category – an achievement that ignited her determination to strive for more.
The following year, she continued to challenge herself in two major international events. At the 2nd North Borneo Taekwondo Championship in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, she once again claimed gold in the poomsae (individual) category.
She then added to her growing collection of accolades by winning gold in Traditional Form at the BMAEX in Labuan.
Most recently, in 2024, she earned a silver medal in the poomsae (pair) category at the 12th Speed Power International Open in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia demonstrating her continued growth in the sport.
HOW IT ALL STARTED
Dayangku Raisya’s journey in the world of sports began at a very young age. Her mother shared that she first took up ballet at the age of four in 2020.
However, it was her growing interest in taekwondo and kickboxing that truly ignited a deeper passion for physical discipline.
The enthusiasm was sparked by watching her brother, also a taekwondo athlete, who had begun training in 2020. Motivated by his involvement, Dayangku Raisya soon decided to follow suit.
In 2021, she began her own taekwondo journey at a local dojo, where her natural talent and commitment quickly became evident. “Her dedication and determination led her to achieve her poom (black) belt in July 2024, and she eventually became the youngest athlete to receive the Kukkiwon black belt certificate in January 2025,” shared Dayangku Raisya’s mother Nur Khairunnisa M Jasni also known as Nisya.
MANAGING PRE-GAME PRESSURE AND MAINTAINING FOCUS
As a young athlete, Dayangku Raisya often struggled with nerves before competitions, sometimes even breaking into tears.
However, as she gained experience through numerous competitions, she gradually learned how to manage these emotions.
Over time, she has developed the ability to handle pre-game pressure with much more ease and composure. To stay focused and mentally prepared, Dayangku Raisya’s parents have supported her in unique ways.
At home, they share taekwondo videos from YouTube, encouraging her to learn independently Dayangku Raisya practices alongside her brother during her free time, and she remains diligent in attending her regular training sessions.
“Consistency in training is indeed the key to staying focused and mentally prepared,” added her mother.
When reflecting on Dayangku Raisya’s progress, her parents express a deep sense of pride, with Nisya noting that the opportunity to represent the Sultanate at such a young age is a clear indication of her daughter’s potential to go far in this sport.
Training however can be tough for any young athlete, but according to Nisya, Dayangku Raisya draws motivation from her naturally competitive nature and the strong support system of her family.
Dayangku Raisya Nur Assyifa’s family plays a crucial role in keeping her driven.
“She draws a lot of motivation from her parents and family, which enables her to perform her best and never give up.
“She is exposed to a variety of activities and competitions, including ballet, kickboxing, and taekwondo, both at school and in her sports endeavours,” continued Nisya.
A YOUNG ATHLETE WITH DIVERSE TALENTS
Beyond her sporting pursuits, Dayangku Raisya is actively involved in her school, Chung Hwa Middle School in Bandar Seri Begawan.
Among her most notable accomplishments are her performances in the National Chinese Poem Competition, where she secured first place in the lower primary category for two consecutive years, 2023 and 2024.
While excelling in academics and other school activities, Dayangku Raisya’s talents extend into other sports as well.
In December of the previous year, she competed in a kickboxing competition in Labuan, where she earned a gold medal, further showcasing her versatility and determination.
As one of the youngest national taekwondo athletes, Dayangku Raisya is focused on continuing her improvement and competing at the international level.
“With the support of her coaches at the Brunei Darussalam Taekwondo Association (BDTA) and her dojo, she follows a comprehensive training programme to hone her skills,” her mother shared.
Dayangku Raisya is also actively seeking opportunities to participate in various competitions to gain exposure and experience.
Her long-term goal is clear: to keep growing as an athlete and represent her country on the world stage, using her talent, perseverance, and the unwavering support of her family to propel her forward.
ADVICE TO PARENTS OF POTENTIAL YOUNG ATHLETES
“As parents, our role in supporting our children’s potential and encouraging physical activities is fundamental,” said Dayangku Raisya ’s mother.
“Physical activities improve their physical and mental wellness, build resilience, and develop social skills. By providing a balanced schedule, ensuring opportunities for both structured activities and free play, we help them explore their interests and grow into well-rounded individuals.”
Parents’ presence and support are crucial, as they help motivate children to strive harder and feel valued.
“Celebrating their small achievements and acknowledging their efforts motivates them to push themselves and gives them a sense of accomplishment,” her mother explained.
A nurturing environment that balances structure and freedom, while being actively involved in their children’s activities, she added, is key to their overall development.
“Supporting their exploration, encouraging physical activities, and celebrating their achievements helps them grow into stronger, more capable individuals,” she added. – Lyna Mohamad
