Positive words an anchor for archer Azreena in pursuit for success.
EVERY word is a prayer, just ask national archer Nurul Azreena Mohamad Fazil.
The 20-year-old Azreena is set to make her maiden appearance in the Paris Olympics after winning a silver medal in the women’s team recurve event at the final Olympic qualifier in Antalya, Turkiye last month.
Her journey to the Olympics is a testament of the power of prayer and persistence.
Azreena once vowed to secure her spot in Paris after missing out on the 2020 Tokyo edition.
“My team and I did not pull through in the Tokyo 2020 qualifiers in Paris, so I jokingly said “I’ll be back, Paris!”, and now in 2024, I’m actually going back!” said Azreena.
This seemingly offhand comment became a self-fulfilling prophecy, showing how her words can shape her reality.
However, her belief in the power of words goes back even further.
“Back then in 2016, in my first archery club (Kelas Memanah Chekgu Janggut), we were required to draw a goal setting, and I wrote that I wanted to be a medallist at the 2024 Olympics,” said Azreena, who started venturing into the sport in 2015.
“Little did I know that I would actually be going to Paris!
“I mean, I didn’t know it was this difficult to qualify for this major tournament back then, so I’d say it counts even if I don’t win a medal.
“Another goal that I wanted to achieve was winning a gold medal in the MSSM (National Schools Sports Council) when I turned 15 years old, and I did it when I was 13 years old.
“I am a living proof that words are prayers.”
Azreena acknowledges the fierce competition, but she is not fretting away and wants to deliver her A-game in the most prestigious Games from July 26-Aug 11.
“Since it is my debut, I am not expecting a medal,” said Azreena.
“Instead, I want to have show good control under high pressure, considering that Olympics is the biggest stage for sports.
“I also want to approach the games with an all-out mentality and embrace the underdog status that can empower my team to create more upsets and perform our best without undue pressure.
“However, I think the strongest opponent will always be myself, in terms of controlling myself, being able to stay calm, and performing the usual routine under pressure.”
It has been an exhausting journey for Azreena to be well-prepared for her challenge in Paris, but she is determined to overcome her fatigue.
“It has been tiring, with back-to-back competitions and endless training,” said Azreena.
“There’s still a lot for me to fix, but I will surely take things slowly, one step at a time, and try not to rush things to make sure that my preparations go well.
“It has been tiring but I constantly remind myself that I’m doing this for my country, parents and myself, so I must not give up.”
Azreena and her teammates, Ariana Nur Dania Mohd Zairi and Syaqiera Mashayikh have undergone a two-week training camp in South Korea as part of their preparations.
It has been a fruitful session for Azreena that will be useful for her outing in Paris.
“It is definitely a valuable experience to be able to train with other teams from other countries,” said Azreena.
“The biggest takeaway would be the importance of maintaining my mental focus and consistency in each arrow.
ARCHERY
Name: Nurul Azreena Mohamad Fazil
Date of birth: March 28, 2004
Age: 20
State: Selangor
Olympics: First appearance
Other highlights: Asia Cup 2023 (silver medal recurve women’s team), Final Olympic Qualification Tournament 2024 (silver medal recurve women’s team).
Idols: Datuk Nicol David, Datuk Lee Chong Wei, Datuk Azizulhasni Awang
Motto: The best is yet to come
Coaches: Coach Marbawi Sulaiman, Coach Norizham Ishak, Coach Lee Jae-hyung
Others in squad: Ariana Nur Dania Mohd Zairi, Syaqiera Mashayikh
Team target: None
Competition date: July 25-Aug 4
Venue: Les Invalides
