Terengganu Karate Twin Out To Make Victorious SEA Games Debut

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 11 (Bernama) -- Twin sisters Mirza Athirah Sahira and Mirza Amirah Syuhada Mohd Faizal are determined to create success for the country when they make their debut at the Thailand SEA Games later this year.

Interestingly, the 19-year-old twin pair from Kuala Terengganu managed to get an offer to the national squad after taking up the martial art for only two years.

Mirza Athirah Sahira said that they had previously studied taekwondo since they were eight years old until they achieved state level when they were 17 years old.

However, they decided to switch to karate at the invitation of coach Mohd Hatta Mahamut because taekwondo is not competed in the Malaysia Games (SUKMA) at that time after being removed from a core sports.

The transition was seen as worthwhile because Mirza Athirah Sahira feels that she is now more integrated with karate even though it was initially a bit challenging to get used to the differences in terms of the basics, rules and techniques in the new combat sport.

"I took it within a year, and was able to catch up. The main mission this year is the SEA Games, at least I want to bring back a medal, then I'll think about going to the next level," she told Bernama.

The squad for the SEA Games scheduled from Dec 9-20 in Bangkok, Chonburi and Songkhla, is expected to be selected in the middle of this year after several 'tests' such as the Southeast Asian Karate Federation (SEAKF) Championship and the Asian Championship.

Since joining the national squad a year ago, Mirza Athirah Sahira has won a bronze in the women's 68kg category at the SEAKF Championship (under 21) and SUKMA Sarawak for Terengganu, while Mirza Athirah Sahira won a silver in the women's over 68kg category at the SEAKF (B-21) and SUKMA Sarawak Championships.

Apart from the twins, their three other siblings are also active in the martial art at various levels such as SUKMA and state.

Her older sister Mirza Aqilah Sofea, younger sister Mirza Amylin Shyla and younger brother Mirza Airman Shah, all practice the sport, but only the twins have been called up to the national squad so far.

Mirza Athirah Sahira, who is about to begin her pre-university studies at the Bukit Jalil Sports School (SSBJ), said having the support of her siblings on the team has helped boost her morale.

"Even in the dormitory, we shared a room and it was normal for the siblings to fight. But we always supported each other during training and tournaments, and always encouraged each other to continue improving our performance," she said.

-- BERNAMA