BANGI, Aug 21 (Bernama) -- Wee Yee Qi's switch from recurve to compound late last year is already paying dividends after the 17-year-old archer struck two gold medals for Sarawak on her SUKMA debut today.
Yee Qi first teamed up with Eason Lau Hui Wan to edge Kedah's Muhammad Zaim Ahmad-Ili Nabihan Shafizan 151-150 in the mixed team final.
The Miri-born archer then completed a memorable day alongside Aira Nadirah Aizuddin and Nur Zara Aisyah Khairul Fadly as Sarawak claimed another gold in the women's team event, beating Terengganu 217-213.
The Sarawak trio produced a dramatic comeback in the final end after trailing throughout the opening three ends to overcome Airazalia Azrai, Nur Shafiena Mohd Shuhamri and Putri Aqiera Issandra Ismayuddin.
“I dedicate these victories to my coaches who have helped and guided me, and taken me to various competitions where I gained valuable experience.
“I have been in archery for six years. It all started when my talent was spotted at school. From there, I developed a passion for the sport, and my family has always supported me,” she told Bernama after the finals at the National Institute of Valuation (INSPEN) Stadium here today.
Yee Qi said she switched to compound after struggling to make an impact in recurve, but was grateful that the change was already beginning to pay off.
She will now turn her attention to the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination in November before returning her full focus to archery, with the long-term ambition of representing Malaysia.
Selangor won bronze in the mixed team event through Muhammad A’rif A’fiq Suhaimi-Nur Alyaa Nazurah Fadzil Fairuz, who defeated Sabah's Hiew Ichin-Catherine Looi Mei Qi Abdullah 154-152.
Selangor's women's trio of Amira Batrisyia Mohamad Azizul Rahman, Nur Alya Sofrina Mohd Sarif and Nur Alyaa Nazurah Fadzil Fairuz also claimed bronze after beating their opponents 219-212.
-- BERNAMA