Fadhil Yunus
Brunei Darussalam national obstacle course racing (OCR) athletes will look to produce a good showing in the Ninja World Cup Asia 2023 at the ArCoVia City in Pasig City, Manila, the Philippines from March 31 to April 2.
Five national athletes – team captain Muhd Hasnal Husna bin Ahmad, Muhammad Adid bin Abdul Kadir, Awangku Muhd Nur’Nazirul Mubin bin Pengiran Roslan, Awangku Muhammad Habibullah bin Pengiran Haji Jufri and Azizil Anwar bin Mosli will be representing the country in the 100 metres category.
Accompanying the team are Brunei OCR national team coach Pengiran Muhammad Rafie bin Pengiran Saiful Redzalli and Brunei Adventure Recreation Association (BARA) President cum Brunei OCR national team manager Yasmin Patera.
The best out of two attempted runs will be used for their qualifiers as athletes battle to cement a spot in the finals on Sunday.
Brunei’s participation in the Ninja World Cup Asia also serves as preparations ahead of the upcoming Southeast Asian (SEA) Games which will be held in Cambodia this May.
Brunei OCR National Team Coach Pengiran Muhammad Rafie said, “There are varying distances in obstacle course racing but specifically what we will be participating is the Ninja World Cup. There are 12 obstacles within a 100-metre distance.”
He continued, “It is the first time that we will be participating on an official basis. In the past, athletes have already competed in such events but at their own expense.”
“Alhamdulillah, after receiving news from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports regarding the 2023 SEA Games last December, training commenced encompassing cardio, endurance and strength and specifically ways in tackling obstacles throughout the course such as hanging, ring transfer, wall climb and rope climb.”
The national coach concluded, “We hope for the best for all the athletes. Insya Allah, we will try to reach the final but of course if more, at least a podium finish.”
Meanwhile, Muhd Hasnal Husna echoed the coach’s sentiments, “We are aiming for all of the team members to reach the final. Insya Allah the biggest aim after that is a place on the podium.” The three-day meet will be organised by the Pilipinas Obstacle Sports Federation.
