SEA Games 2025 Thailand Silat: Singapore's Nur Aniqah Qistina and Sheik Ferdous Set to Chase Their Dreams in the Gelanggang
- Hana Basir
- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 18 hours ago
A dive into Singapore Silat's SEA Games 2025 team —each realising a dream of their own at one of silat's most prestigious competitions
As the 2025 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games edges closer, Singapore’s national silat squad is deep in preparation for a December battle in Thailand—one that promises to be both a proving ground for rising talents and a long-awaited stage for a reigning world champion seeking his elusive regional crown.
Gathered at the OCBC Arena for Silat’s media day ahead of the SEA Games, Sportplus.sg spoke to Nur Aniqah Qistina Roslan, the wide-eyed debutant stepping into her first SEA Games, and Sheik Ferdous Sheik Alau'Ddin , the veteran and current world champion who has carved his name into the sport yet still chases the one medal missing from his cabinet: SEA Games gold.
Nur Aniqah Qistina: Realising a Little Girl’s Dream
For 17-year-old Qistina, the call-up to the SEA Games squad came earlier than expected—and with it, a mix of disbelief and bubbling excitement.
“I felt very skeptical, and I was shocked that I made it into the team because I just made it into the senior team,” she admitted.
“Now, I’m feeling very excited but nervous at the same time because I’m going against really good and strong opponents. But with the help of my teammates, coaches and parents, they’ve really helped me through this anxious yet exciting journey.”
For Qistina, representing Singapore has been a childhood dream, one she used to watch unfold on television. Now, she is set to be just like them — as she's set to make her SEA Games debut this December.
“Representing Singapore means a lot to me because it’s been my goal since I was a little girl,” she beamed.
“Now, knowing that I’ve made it this far, I’m actually really proud and it means a lot to me because it’s also my parents’ wish to see their kids represent Singapore.”
Her rapid transition from junior to senior level came with emotional weight—as she ended her junior career in December last year as the runner-up at the 5th Junior World Pencak Silat Championships.
“I was a little sad because it was my last junior year and I really wanted to get a gold because I haven’t really achieved much in my junior journey. Knowing that I’m going up to the senior team this year, I mentally prepared myself the whole of last year. I knew it was going to be a whole different level of training and competition in the senior team.”
The shift meant doubling down on training and seeking guidance from those who walked the path before her.
“I actually did talk to a lot of my seniors and coaches about the quick change. They said that I really do have to mentally and physically prepare myself. So—instead of training as I usually do—for a year now, I have been trying to train harder because I know the opponents this year will be tougher.”
Beyond the sport, Qistina's journey has demanded sacrifices uncommon for teenagers her age.
“It’s different from people my age. They usually hang around after school but for me, I’ll always come straight to training. Sometimes if I feel left out, I have to tell myself that this is what I wanted and I chose to be here.”
But with teammates she can relate to like Rifqah Mursyidah Mistam, Nurhisham Sapari and Zulhilmi Zul’irfan, she has found grounding and motivation.
“For Zul and Rifqah, they’re both a year older than me and it’ll also their first time at the SEA Games. They motivate me a lot, especially Rifqah. All the competitions that we’ve been to this year, she’s been my roommate and we always have late night talks. She’s my friend and my senior, so she really motivates me.”
“I look up to all my seniors because each and everyone of them has a different journey. It’s nice to listen to all the different stories of how they made it this far. I’m just really grateful for everyone.”
For her debut Games, Qistina's sets a simple but powerful aim.
“I’m looking forward to trying my very best. If I can, I’d want to fly the Singapore flag high. I’ll just try my best and even just being there really makes me proud of where I am now.”
Sheik Ferdous: The Two-time World Champion Chasing the Last Missing Gold
On the opposite end of the spectrum is Sheik Ferdous, Singapore’s decorated silat icon and current world champion. Despite his accolades, one achievement—the SEA Games crown— has remained painfully out of reach.
“I think going into this SEA Games, I’m definitely experienced already but I still haven't achieved a gold at the SEA Games and I really want it,” he smiled.
“I mean, every single competition I go to, I always aim for gold but I think for this upcoming SEA Games, it’s about time that I actually win it. I’ve trained for a long time and I think I really need one of them. I need that gold.”
This year, the two-time world champion's mindset is sharper and more uncompromising than ever.
“I think from a mindset perspective, I’m already at the stage where I don’t want to have excuses or anything, you know?”
“I’m just excited to see how I will fare this year. It’s a different feeling this time. I’m very locked in, there’s no fear of whether I can make it or not. I’m going to do it,” he said, smile full of hope and unmistakable courage.
The SEA Games, being a multi-sport competition, carries a sense of significance—especially for a sport native to Southeast Asia.
And if he finally clinches the long-awaited regional crown, how would he want people to remember the moment?
“That he finally made it. He finally got his gold after a lot of missed chances at previous editions, and finally won the SEA Games and World Championships—the two peaks of silat competitions.”
Come December in Thailand, both Qistina dna Sheik Ferdous—along wth their teammates—will walk onto the mat representing not just themselves, but a country that has watched each step of their journey. And whether they're a veteran or debutant, they'll fight with a shared purpose:
To fly the Singapore flag high.
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