The Brunei Darussalam national contingent returned home to a heroes’ welcome following their bronze medal exploits at the 19th Asian Games 2022 in Hangzhou, China.
The national karateka trio comprising Farhah Syahirah binti Mohd Shamrin, Rodhyatul Adhwanna binti Bakar and Farhana Najeeha binti Abdul Rahman amassed a total of 38.2 points in the women’s kata team event at the Linping Sports Centre Gymnasium on Friday.
Farhah Syahirah said they are satisfied with their performance, adding that the competitors are from seven countries, including competitors from the Olympics.
Farhah Syahirah, who also competed in the women’s individual kata event said it was their finest performance.
Meanwhile, kata coach Anggoro Bayu Prata said that plans are already in place for continuous training before setting their sights on future international meets next year. The women’s kata team ensured the Sultanate finish the continental multi-sport showpiece with one silver and one bronze.
It also marked the country’s fourth bronze medal in karate emulating the feat previously achieved by individual athletes Marliza binti Pengiran Omar, Meghan Loo and Tong Kit Siong.
Earlier in the competition, national wushu star Basma Lachkar bagged silver in the women’s taijijian and taijiquan All-Round final event.
The silver medal ultimately marked Brunei’s best showing in the Asian Games having previously managed four bronze across three different editions.
Basma’s success also marked the country’s first medal in wushu at Asia’s most prestigious competition.
The national contingent also included male kumite exponent Muhd Harith bin Dahlan; kata coach Anggoro Bayu Pratama and kumite coach Haji Okida Simangasing.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi bin Haji Mohamad welcomed the delegation at the Brunei International Airport. – Fadhil Yunus
