SHAH ALAM: Siblings always fight with each other but sometimes they end up fighting together for their state.
The Badroel Rizwan brothers Umar Zafran, Uzair Zafran and Rayyan Zafran are all fencers and will be representing the Federal Territories at the Malaysia Games (Sukma) from Aug 19-23.
"It’s truly a dream scenario to be able to compete in the Games with my younger brothers," said Umar, 20, who is the eldest of the trio.
Umar, who has been fencing since the age of eight, will also have the added responsibility of being the state’s team captain for the event in UITM Shah Alam Sports Complex.
"Who wouldn't want to play with swords and be able to hit people legally?
"I was drawn to the sport immediately and my brothers soon followed suit," said Umar.
Umar and the 18-year-old Uzair will participate in the men’s individual and team foil events, while Rayyan, 16, will compete in the individual and team epee categories.
"Hopefully Uzair and I draw each other in final for the individual event.
"We're both going for gold. So there's no love lost on the stage."
The world No. 751 acknowledged that the competitive edge diminishes immediately when they are on the same team.
"We are brothers at the end of the day."
This will be Umar’s first Games after he missed out on the previous edition in Kuching in 2024, where Uzair achieved gold for the team event and silver for the individual event.
The brothers are hopeful that their collective presence at this Games will contribute to more gold medals for the state.
