Ascendancy in pétanque: From bronze beginnings to gold medal

Abdul Harith Oris, Aniq Asyraff Mohamad Hafizul and Farid Amirul Muhamad bag gold for Sarawak in men’s triples in Sukma XXI Sarawak 2024.

By Marlynda Meraw

KUCHING, Sept 21: Akhtar Shauqi Aini Mohd Dom, a 17-year-old from the serene village of Kampung Tanjung Budong in Kota Samarahan, is a name that brings pride and promise to the world of pétanque in Sarawak.

A modest and reserved young man, Akhtar has quickly made a mark for himself on the sports field, demonstrating not only his skill but also his relentless dedication.

He debuted in the Malaysian Games (Sukma) 2022 Kuala Lumpur, clinched a bronze medal in the team mixed triple, followed by another bronze at the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games 2023 in the same category.

This year, at the Sukma XXI 2024 Sarawak, Akhtar earned a gold medal in the team mixed doubles and a silver in the team mixed triple.

Akhtar throwing a boule toward the target ball during a pétanque event during Sukma XXI Sarawak 2024.

Sukma: A launchpad to greater heights

For Akhtar, the Games was more than just a competition; it was a stage where he could prove his worth, not just to himself but to all those who believed in him. Securing a gold medal for Sarawak filled him with immense joy and pride. Yet, it is the promise of what lies ahead that truly excites him. He looks forward to representing Sarawak in future competitions, dreaming of more gold and continuing to bring honour to Sarawak.

But even then, Akhtar’s journey is not without its challenges. Balancing academics with sports, Akhtar has discovered a rhythm that suits him—a delicate dance between the demands of his studies and the rigours of training. During school hours, his focus remains firmly on his lessons, but once he steps onto the field, his mindset shifts. The field becomes a realm where he channels his energy and his commitment as proof of his determination and discipline.

His competitive spirit is anchored in humility and unwavering concentration. Akhtar learned early on that, in the heat of competition, calmness and composure are essential. His ability to block out distractions, silence the noise and centre himself amid the chaos, is what sharpens his focus and sets him apart.

Akhtar dreams of climbing higher in the world of pétanque, of representing Sarawak and even Malaysia on an even grander stage. Yet, he remains grounded, aware of the importance of education and personal growth. He envisions continuing to tertiary education, though he hasn’t settled on a particular course of study. What he knows for certain is his desire to keep learning, to keep growing.

For Akhtar, life without pétanque seems unimaginable. The sport has become the very core of his identity, a source of purpose and passion. While he admits he could see himself playing badminton or engaging in e-sports, he doubts he could muster the same fervour as he does for pétanque. To him, it is not just a game, but a way of life—a calling that he feels deeply in his soul.

Exclusive interview with Akhtar at the Sarawak Pétanque Centre, Kampung Santubong.

Lessons on the field, a father’s guidance

Akhtar’s journey into pétanque began as a child; a quiet observer at the edge of the playing field, watching the tournaments where his father competed. As the youngest of four siblings, he was the only one drawn to follow his father’s footsteps. Sometimes he watched to learn, absorbing the nuances of the game; at other times he joined the rest of the children at the sidelines in carefree play. Yet, it was the essence of pétanque—the strategic interplay, the quiet strength of sportsmanship—that captured his young heart and set his path.

His parents, both teachers, believed in nurturing their son’s passion, allowing him the freedom to chase his dreams. Akhtar feels an overwhelming gratitude for his parents who raised him, and for their unwavering support, especially from his father, who became his bedrock in his world of pétanque.

Akhtar’s father, a passionate player himself, was his first mentor. Under his father’s patient tutelage, Akhtar learned the art of the game, practising tirelessly in the fields day after day.

“My dad gave me encouragement,” Akhtar reflected. “He helped me during practices and was always there during each tournament.”

The constant support, and steady presence, became the foundation upon which Akhtar built his dreams.

The rhythmic clink of metal balls, the concentrated gaze of players, the strategic manoeuvres—those were the elements that caught his eye. He began to see the beauty in the sport’s unique blend of simplicity and complexity, all at once. At the age of eight, he picked up his first boule, and in that instant, his love for pétanque began to take root.

Pétanque became a daily ritual, a sacred time where the father and son would spend hours perfecting their throws, discussing strategy, and refining Akthtar’s skills. His father’s unfaltering belief in his potential was a source of strength, encouraging him to dream bigger.

He particularly enjoys the sport for its gentle demands—not overly taxing on the body, yet requiring precision and concentration.

“For me, pétanque is relaxing,” he mused. “It’s a sport where you don’t get too tired. The stress is mostly on my arm, but I don’t mind.”

Though his journey is still in its early stages, Akhtar’s spirit, drive, and dedication have already marked him as a player to watch. For him, pétanque is more than a sport—it is life itself, his identity, and the compass guiding his future. — DayakDaily

Akhtar (third right) and Sarawak Petangue team has made the State proud by winning five gold and three silver in Sukma XXI Sarawak 2024.