PUSHING THROUGH TOUGH MIND GAMES

After enduring various setbacks, Singapore Paralympians setting sights on Paris tests

- Lin Tianbao

Over the last three years, Singapore para-archer Nur Syahidah Alim has had a lot of time to reflect on her experience at the Tokyo Paralympics.

Then ranked second in the world, the world champion was a favourite for a medal at the Games in 2021. But she was knocked out in the 1/8 elimination round of the women's individual compound open and did not make the quarter-finals.

While she was disappointed by the early exit, the experience has made her mentally stronger and the 38-year-old is aiming to make amends at the Aug 28-Sept 8 Paris Games.

Speaking to The Sunday Times on the sidelines of the inaugural Paralympic Fiesta at Our Tampines Hub (OTH) on May 4, she said: "I'm seeing a lot of progress in terms of my shooting technique, and I've grown in terms of my mental toughness and confidence at the shooting line.

"In terms of my perspective on the sport, I've developed a growth mindset. I'm more focused towards my shooting process and the importance of having mental confidence."

After the Paralympics in 2021, Syahidah said that a lack of competition opportunities and wind conditions had affected her performance at Tokyo.