KAJANG: From struggling to find time to train to missing out on competitions due to academic commitments, Sarawak archer Eason Lau Hui Wan has finally hit the bullseye at the Malaysia Games (Sukma).
The 21-year-old Sarawakian savoured a dream finish in his last Sukma by claiming a gold in the mixed pair compound with Wee Yee Qi at the Inspen Stadium on Friday (Aug 21).
He was also part of the men's team that landed silver after losing to Terengganu 230-226.
Sarawak also dominated the day with two golds in the mixed and women’s team compound events.
"It’s a great feeling especially since it's my final Games," said Eason who missed out on the podium in his previous attempt at the 2022 edition.
Eason has faced numerous challenges over the years in attempting to balance his studies while pursuing archery seriously.
"I missed the last Games in Kuching as it clashed with my matriculation studies."
Things did not get easier as he entered Universiti Malaya to further his studies as he now had to deal with transportation difficulties.
"I’d have to book cabs and buses at odd hours. Everything was also coming out of my own pocket. It was not easy to manage all this on a student’s budget."
Eason’s passion for the sport, however, compelled him to persevere, and he now aspires to join the national team and compete on the international stage.
"This was my most significant competition to date, and I believe I have shown my potential to achieve greater success."
RESULTS
Compound
Men's team
Final: Terengganu (Mohd Bilal Mubeen Mohd Izuan, Mohd Aiman Syafiq Mohd Tariki, Mohd Akmal Danial Baharuddin) bt Sarawak (Eason Lau Hui Wan, Ryan Yong Shun Lin, Zhorif Fahim Fadhillah) 230-226.
Bronze-medal match: Selangor (Abdul Azim Ab Razak, Mohd A’rif A’fiq Suhaimi, Sahil Fahmi Mohd Syakir) bt Perak (Abdul Hanan Abdul Basir, Adam Danish Darwish Mohd Zaini, Mohd Badrullah Hamidon) 221-214.
Women's team
Final: Sarawak (Aira Nadirah Aizuddin, Nur Zara Aisyah Khairul Fadly, Wee Yee Qi) bt Terengganu (Airazalia Azrai, Nur Shafiena Mohd Shuhamri, Putri Aqiera Issandra Ismayuddin) 217-213.
Bronze-medal match: Selangor (Amirah Batrisyia Mohd Azizul Rahman, Nur Alya Sorfina Mohd Sarif, Nur Alyaa Nazurah Fadzil Fairuz) bt Kelantan (Nur Auni Wafiy Mahusin, Nurin Afiqah Moh Suhaily, Ummu Aleesya Qatrunnadaa Zarak Shaifuddin) 219-212.
Mixed
Final: Eason Lau Hui Wan-Wee Yee Qi (Swk) bt Mohd Zaim Ahmad-Ili Nabihan Shafizan (Ter) 153-147.
Bronze-medal match: Mohd A’rif A’fiq Suhaimi-Nur Alyaa Nazurah Fadzil Fairuz (Sel) bt Hiew Ichin-Catherine Looi Mei Qi Abdullah (Sab) 154-152.
