MELAKA: Sarawak native, Syahrizan Jafar stunned the first series of the National Circuit Archery Championship when he shot down two national records at the Kolej Vokasional Melaka in Bukit Katil, here, on Sunday. Hardly 20 months ago picking up the sport as a passion, the 39- year-old rookie downed a nine-year record when he set a new national record of 1,395 points in the 1440 rounds.
Enroute to the record, the Mukah-born archer also broke a sixyear record in the 90m compound with a 343 points, cracking a 342 mark set by former national archer Muhamad Zaki Mahazan in the 2012 local circuit. The 1,440 Rounds national record of 1,393 points was set by former national archer, Lang Hong Keong in 2009 at the National Circuit in Kedah.
The 1,440 Rounds consist of a combined score of four distances – 90m, 70m, 50m and 30m. Syahrizan collected 343 points in 90m, 70m (349), 50m (347) and 30m (356). The father of 10 who is based in Bintulu, has never earned a national call-up since showing tremendous results in the local circuit.
In the nine tournaments competed last year, Syahrizan won six indoor and outdoor tournaments –Sarawak Open, UniSZA Open, Terengganu Open, Johor Open as well as UPM Open (Indoor) and Kelantan Open (Indoor) championships.
At the moment, Syahrizan is based in Kajang, Selangor for the last two years, where he works as maintenance contractor, while his family is in Bintulu. “I took up the sport when a friend in Bintulu forced me to, about two years ago.
I joined X-Tune, a Miribased club, under coach Ricky Wee. Since my job allows me more time, I spend about five hours a day to train myself with the guidance of my friends,” he told Bernama here today. With a height of 175cm and weighing 94kg, the rookie is one of the oldest athletes in the circuit and represents Selangor Seniors, comprising three other veteran archers, namely Frankie Ting, 50; Fridaus Isa, 33; and Teng Wei, 51, who is also team manager.
Syahrizan said age was not a barrier in the sport, despite the sport being dominated by young players. “I don’t have formal training and I get guidance from friends and coach in the team. “I shoot 10,000 arrows a month. I love the sport and I am willing to don national colours if I have a chance,” he added.
Married to Safiyah Kamil, 33, three of Shahrizan’s sons are also into sports, with one following the father’s footsteps and the rest in the sailing event for the Sarawak‘s SUKMA team. The Selangor Seniors and PDRM are among state teams taking part in the National First Siries Circuit, which ends tomorrow. – Bernama
