PHNOM PENH: When Norsyakirah Muksin returns to Malaysia, she will have a special gift in her bag for her mother, Sarina Abdul Sigal, who turned 54 recently.In a thrilling battle, Sea Games debutante Norsyakirah edged Indonesia's Suci Wulandari 36-33 in the women's below 45kg silat final to win the gold medal at Chroy Changvar Convention Centre here today.
The 22-year-old was focused on preparing for the Sea Games and did not meet her mother for two months."My mother was in tears when I called her after winning the title," said Norsyakirah after receiving her gold medal.
"She told me to be grateful and to cherish every moment of the victory."I hope to return to my hometown in Kota Marudu, Sabah, soon and spend time with my family, especially my mother.
"I did not meet her for two months as I was busy training for the Games. She turned 54 on May 5, and I promised her I would bring home the gold medal."I achieved this and will give it to her as a birthday gift."
Norsyakirah said she did not expect to win the gold as she had lost to Suci at last year's World Championships in Melaka."I think it goes down to my hard work in training," said Norsyakirah, who revealed that her mother will welcome her at the Kota Kinabalu Airport when she arrives in Sabah.
The airport is about a three-hour drive from Kota Marudu."With this title, everyone will be out to beat me. I have to train harder and be ready for my rivals in competitions," she added.