SINGAPORE: Two young athletes made headlines at the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, showcasing Singapore’s growing prowess in martial arts. Marissa Hafezan and Nicholas Khaw each earned gold medals in their respective disciplines, bringing pride to the nation and inspiring many.
Marissa Hafezan’s Karate Breakthrough
Marissa Hafezan, 19, made history by winning Singapore’s first karate gold medal in 32 years at the SEA Games held in Bangkok. Competing in the women’s kumite under 55kg event on 12 December 2024, she defeated Vietnam’s Nguyen Thi Dieu Ly 5-3 in a nail-biting final.
This remarkable victory ended a long drought for Singapore in karate, with the last gold medal being claimed by Neo Ah Suan in 1993. Hafezan, who initially took up karate at the age of six due to her sister’s interest, has expressed immense pride in contributing to her country’s sporting history.
Overcoming Adversity
Hafezan faced significant challenges in the lead-up to the Games, including multiple shoulder dislocations. Despite undergoing surgery just a month before the SEA Games, her determination paid off. Reflecting on her victory, she stated, “I feel really honoured to have broken the drought… It’s just amazing, honestly.”
Nicholas Khaw: A Gold for the Police Force
Another star shining at the Games was Nicholas Khaw, a 20-year-old Staff Sergeant from the Police Logistics Department. He claimed gold with his partner Diyanah Aqidah in the mixed poomsae pair taekwondo category, outpacing Vietnam’s duo on 10 December 2024.
Khaw credited his family’s unwavering support and his team at the Police Force for his achievements. Training during weekdays and weekends, he remarked that he initially didn’t believe they stood a chance, but their hard work paid off in the end.
A Bright Future Ahead
Hafezan has her sights set on qualifying for the World Karate Championships, describing it as her ultimate dream since childhood. Similarly, Khaw’s commitment to his sport highlights the potential for future success stories in Singapore’s martial arts scene.