‘In that moment, nothing else matters’: The thrill of horseback archery for two Singaporean riders

Two Singaporean riders, Shalihin Ahmaddullah and Syed Idrus, have found a unique passion in horseback archery. For Mr Ahmaddullah, 33, who once worked as a stable hand in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, the sport allows him to fully immerse himself in the present moment. "In that moment, nothing else matters," he said, describing the exhilaration of galloping on horseback while aiming an arrow at a target.

Mr Idrus, 32, echoes this sentiment, attributing his continued interest in the sport to the adrenaline rush it provides. Their talent has taken them to the World Nomad Games, an international event showcasing traditional sports from nomadic cultures. The most recent Games took place in Kyrgyzstan in late August and early September.

Training in Singapore can be challenging, as the activities of archery and horse riding are usually practiced separately. The riders often find themselves traveling to Johor Bahru to hone their skills. Ahmaddullah notes, "We have to be creative and smart when it comes to our training."