PUTRAJAYA: Pint-sized compound archer Fatin Nurfatehah Mat Salleh is, by far, the best national woman athlete in the first half of this year.
No wonder the 24-year-old Sabahan has been chosen as the flag bearer for the Malaysian contingent to the World University Games (Universiade) in Gwangju, South Korea, from July 3-14.
The 1.48m (4ft 10in) tall Fatin is in the form of her life, having added an unprecedented SEA Games treble in Singapore to the World Cup gold medal she won with Saritha Cham Nong and Nor Rizah Ishak in Shanghai in May. It has catapulted the team to a career high No. 6 in the world rankings.
A string of fine performances, which included two remarkable individual bronze medals in Shanghai and Asia Cup in Bangkok earlier in March, has also lifted Fatin up to No. 27 in the individual standings.
Now, Fatin seeks to continue from where she left off when she heads to Gwangju for her second Universiade appearance.
“The Universiade is as big as the Olympics,” said Fatin.
“It’s going to be tough against a world-class field. I was told that even world No. 1 Sara Lopez of Colombia (whom she lost to in the World Cup semi-final) will take part.
“You also have top Korean and American university archers ... they are as good as their national archers.
“We’re aware that the contingent see us as gold medal prospects ... but there’s no reason to put unnecessary pressure on ourselves.
“It will be a great achievement to just get on the podium ... that’s what we’re striving for before thinking about winning the gold.”
On her appointment as the flag bearer, Fatin said: “It’s a great honour to be chosen as the flag bearer.
“I also see it as a recognition for compound archery. This is the first time I’ve been chosen to lead the team after going to so many multi-sport Games.
“It’s an added incentive to perform well.”
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