A Hatred Of Losing

The Straits Times is celebrating outstanding Singaporeans selected for the 2024 ST Athlete of the Year award, backed by 100Plus. To get to know our athletes better, we asked them about their obsession with winning, what keeps them going and their interests outside of sport. This is what silat exponent Sheik Farhan Sheik Alauddin told Deepanraj Ganesan.

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Q What is one misunderstood thing about your sport?

A A When somebody asks me what sport I am in, especially if it is someone that is not really into sport, they often start to do some weird motions with their hands. They think that silat is similar to Malay dance.

There is an artistic side of things in silat, but that seems to be the most common misconception. They don't see the fighting, competitive side of it. So when these interactions happen, I usually just laugh awkwardly.

Q Do you try to educate people about silat?

A I don't see myself in that light. But if people show interest and are genuinely curious about it, then I would take my time to explain what it's about.

But I wouldn't call myself an ambassador. My personality is not the type that's very outgoing and will go out of the way to speak to people.

Q How old were you when you started silat, and what do you love about it?