Zarif and Co fancy chances of securing team recurve event spot for Olympics

PETALING JAYA: National archers will be aiming to shoot down their 2024 Paris Olympics tickets at the Final World Qualifying Tournament in Antalya, Turkiye. from June 15-16.

The national quartet of Mohd Zarif Syahiir Zolkepeli, Mohd Syafiq Busthamin, Mohd Danish Amsyar Norazlan and Mohd Firdaus Mohd Rusmadi will compete in two World Cups - Stage 1 in Shanghai, China, from April 23-28 and Stage 2 in Yecheon, South Korea, from May 21-26 before heading to Antalya.

Seasoned hand Zarif believes the national archers still have a good chance to secure a spot for the men’s team recurve event.

“In Antalya, the chance to qualify for the team event is higher compared to the individual, so we need to prepare well,” said Zarif, who has been training with his three teammates since last year.

“In China and South Korea, it will be a warm-up for us. We need to be in medal positions in Antalya to qualify for the team event in Paris.

“The world qualifier will only be for the nations that have yet to earn a slot in the Olympics.”

Zarif Syahiir, 25, is currently ranked 161st in men’s individual recurve with Firdaus, 21, (209th); Syafiq, 19, (197th); and Danish, 16, (368th).

Ariana Nur Dania Mohd Zairi is the only Malaysian woman archer to qualify for Paris so far. She secured her slot for the women’s individual recurve in the continental qualification round in Bangkok, Thailand, last November.

Zarif said they are in the midst of gelling as team.

“I have competed with Firdaus in the 2022 Hanoi SEA Games before while the other three archers may be considered newcomers.

“Every time we practise, I always discuss with the coach what I can do better and it’s the same every time we go to a tournament.”