Shazrin faces typhoon test in bid to defend Asian Games gold

Sailor Nur Shazrin Latif is preparing to defend her Asian Games gold title in Gamagori, Japan, where she competed at the 2022 Hangzhou Games, becoming Malaysia's first female winner of the Laser Radial/ILCA 6 gold. The Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) aims for at least one silver and five bronze medals for the national sailing team.

Shazrin, who has only competed in two overseas regattas this year compared to seven or eight for some rivals, acknowledges the difficulty of regaining the gold but remains positive. She stresses the importance of sailing clean, solid races and focusing on not taking the pressure negatively. The competition will feature strong sailors from Hong Kong, India, Thailand, South Korea, Singapore, and Japan.

The Kaiyoh Yacht Harbour venue, where Shazrin will compete, will also present a significant challenge as the regatta takes place during typhoon season. Shazrin, despite some physical wear and tear, believes that mental toughness is crucial. She attributes her success to the support from the National Sports Council, the Korea Sailing Federation, and the Japan Sailing Team, as well as her family, who pray for her and advise her to take care of her health.

Shazrin is part of a 12-member Malaysian contingent in Gamagori, including four-time Olympian Khairulnizam and 2018 Laser 4.7 champion Fauzi Kaman Shah, along with nine debutants.