KUALA LUMPUR: From performing at weddings to mounting the top of the podium at the Kuala Lumpur Sea Games (KL2017), pencak silat exponents Nor Syazreen Malik and Nor Hamizah Hassan have almost seen it all together.
The pair, who emerged victorious in the ganda puteri (doubles) category at KL2017 today, have a strong understanding between them, having been partners for the past 11 years.
"We first partnered in 2006 and were performing together at weddings at the time. I was 18 while Hamizah was a year older," said Syazreen.
"From there, we progressed to competing in the Malaysia Games and then we both got the call up to the national team.
"I think it is obvious we do not have any problems understanding each other."
This is the duo's second Sea Games gold together as they had also won the event at the 2013 Myanmar games.
"This (win) is still very special for us as we have been forced to sacrifice a lot to prepare for KL2017," added Syazreen.
"We spent Hari Raya Aidilfitri training in Vietnam. It was the first time we were away from our families (for Raya)."
Translated from Harian Metro