KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysian junior shuttler Siti Nurshuhaini Azman is aiming to win a medal at the upcoming Cambodia SEA Games, which begins this week.
“I did not do my best in last year’s edition but this year, I am going to give it my all and try to win a medal. I want to go all the way to the final.
“I want to prove to Malaysians that I can bring home a medal,” she said when met at the Akademi Badminton Malaysia in Bukit Kiara today.
The 18-year-old had a disappointing debut in last year’s Hanoi SEA Games after exiting the tournament in the preliminary round of the women’s singles event.
She was also part of the team who shockingly went down 1-3 to the hosts in the quarterfinals of the team competition.
Siti said that participating in the SEA Games is a responsibility, adding that she will give her best shot to bring home a medal.
“I have prepared myself mentally and physically for the challenge ahead, with help from my coaches.
“I have been working with my coaches in tackling my weaknesses. We have been making small improvements.
“I know that players from Indonesia and Thailand will be my biggest challenge,” she added.
Siti said that a lofty target can add more pressure but added that she is ready to face it.
“I’m feeling good for now, but it could change after the game.
“Whatever happens, I assure everyone that I will do my absolute best and ignore all the naysayers,” she said.
Siti is injury free after recovering from a hamstring injury, which she suffered in February.
“We have no choice but to take care of ourselves and be wary of conditions like the weather to make sure we keep healthy,” she said.
In the meantime, Siti is confident that her teammate Tan Zhing Yi will perform well in Cambodia.
“We train together, and I see her strengths, I will also encourage her to do well so we both can fight for Team Malaysia,” she said. – The Vibes, May 2, 2023
