Ethnic Sarawakian aims to win in Indian sports, Silambam

KUCHING: Sarawak’s silambam athlete Vynea Sija Pehan is not giving up and is determined to give her best in the upcoming silambam synchronised bare hand event at the ongoing 21st Malaysia Games (SUKMA).

Earlier yesterday (Aug 20), the 16-year-old narrowly missed out on a medal in the women’s individual thanithiramai kuthu varisai event, finishing fourth out of 13 competitors.

“The challenge was tough, especially since this is my first time at SUKMA. I did my very best to secure fourth place.

“The pressure was high, and while I did my best, I couldn’t fully meet the expectations placed on me.

Vynea (second right) with her family after the silambam competition.

“Looking ahead, I will be preparing for the next event, which is the kurthu varisai bare hand. With that, I aim to improve my stances, stability, and confidence,” she said when met during the first day of the silambam competition held at the Hikmah Exchange Event Centre here yesterday.

Vynea, who hails from Padawan, a Bidayuh and Iban descent said that it was nerve-wrecking competing in her home state.

“Yes, I was nervous because people expect a lot when you’re representing your own state. But I just did my best.

“It’s my first time, so my confidence was a bit low, but I hope to raise it in the next tournament or any future competitions,” she said while holding back her tears.

Vynea also credited her coach, Darshini Meena Arumugam for her love of silambam.

“My coach has been so supportive and understanding, and she’s the reason I’ve come this far to be a state player. She made me love this sport,” she said.

Vynea, who is the only daughter among her three siblings, originally started in Tang Soo Do, another martial art, before being introduced to silambam.

“A friend invited me to try silambam, and I thought it was interesting. Suddenly, I’m here at this big tournament – it’s been quite a journey,” she said.

Meanwhile, Vynea’s parents Dr Pehan Majis and Emily Ngayan and family were also present to give their full support.