Left to right: Huang Qiling, Nur Syahidah Alim, Jyoti Baliyan. Credit: SDSC/Pang Qing Liang
Para archer Nur Syahidah Alim, 39, delivered a stellar performance at the Beijing 2025 Asian Para Archery Championships, clinching gold in the Women’s Individual Compound Open event today and setting a new Asian Championship record along the way.
The three-time Paralympian reaffirmed her status as one of Asia’s top para archers with a dominant campaign throughout the tournament, held from 2 to 6 July. Syahidah topped the qualification round with a score of 683, earning her a bye in the 1/16 Elimination Round.
In the 1/8 Elimination Round, Syahidah defeated Hong Kong’s Chan Yuen Wah (142-139), followed by India’s Lalpati in the quarterfinals. Syahidah set a new Asian Championships record with a score of 144 against her opponent’s 142 points, surpassing the previous record of 143 set by India’s Sheetal Devi at the Bangkok 2023 Asian Para Archery Championships. Devi later made history as India’s youngest Paralympic medallist at age 17, after clinching a bronze medal in the mixed compound archery team event.
In the semi-finals, Syahidah triumphed over Indonesia’s Teodora Audi Ayudia Ferelly (143-134), a Paris 2024 Paralympian, before facing off against China’s Huang Qiling (142-138), to seal her victory in the gold medal match.
Syahidah’s victory was made sweeter given that a neck injury just weeks before the competition had forced her to pause training. With limited time to regain form, Syahidah and her team focused on refining her technique, sharpening mental routines, and ensuring her body recovered well.
“It means so much to win gold for Singapore, especially after the health challenges I faced leading up to the competition,” shared Syahidah. “Despite the hurdles, I was able to stay focused and trust in my training and my coach. Setting a record and standing on top of the podium is a testament of resilience and determination in my sport, and I’m grateful for all the support I’ve received from my coach, my team, sponsors and everyone.”
The gold medal at the Asian Para Archery Championships marks a significant milestone in Syahidah’s season, providing a confidence boost ahead of upcoming competitions, including the 2025 Chicago Para-Archery Championship World Ranking Event, Gwangju 2025 World Archery Para Championships and the 2025 ASEAN Para Games.
