Nur Syahidah Alim, born on August 14, 1985, is a pioneering Singaporean athlete renowned for her exceptional accomplishments in para-archery. Despite being born with diplegia, a form of cerebral palsy that primarily affects her lower limbs, Syahidah has defied the odds to become a trailblazer in her sport. In 2019, she etched her name in history by becoming the first Singaporean to win a gold medal at the World Archery Para Championships, subsequently earning the title of the world’s number one paralympic archer in the individual compound women open rankings. With multiple podium finishes and accolades to her name, including the prestigious Sportswoman of the Year award at the 2020 Singapore Disability Sports Awards, Syahidah’s inspiring journey continues to motivate athletes and enthusiasts alike, showcasing the power of determination, resilience, and the transformative impact of sports.

Early Life and Background
Nur Syahidah Alim was born with diplegia, a form of cerebral palsy that primarily affects the lower limbs. As a result of her condition, she spends much of her time in a wheelchair but is capable of walking for short periods with some difficulty. Syahidah discovered her passion for archery at the age of 18 during a disability expo, a moment that would dramatically alter the course of her life. Reflecting on her journey, she stated, “Growing up, I never saw myself pursuing sports professionally nor being an inspiration… Archery has definitely changed my life. It makes me a better person both on the field and in my daily life.”

Education
Syahidah Alim’s academic journey began at the Singapore Management University (SMU), where she studied from 2007 to 2011, graduating with a Bachelor of Business Management. She later pursued further education at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), obtaining a Master of Science in Knowledge Management in 2012.

Career
Following her graduation, Syahidah worked as a communications and public education executive for the Asian Women’s Welfare Association (AWWA) before joining Sport Singapore in 2014, where she focused on knowledge management and corporate strategy.

Personal Information: Nur Syahidah Alim

• Full Name: Nur Syahidah Alim
• Date of Birth: August 14, 1985
• Nationality: Singaporean
• Disability: Diplegia (a form of cerebral palsy affecting the lower limbs)
• Education:
  • Bachelor of Business Management, Singapore Management University (2007 – 2011)
  • Master of Science in Knowledge Management, Nanyang Technological University (2012)
• Career:
  • Former communications and public education executive at the Asian Women’s Welfare Association (AWWA)
  • Roles at Sport Singapore in knowledge management and corporate strategy
• Sport: Para-archery
• Classification: W3 athlete in para-archery
• Bow Type: Compound bow (draw strength of 18kg)
• Coaches: Rachel Sng (former), Pang Qing Liang (current)
• Residence: Singapore

Additional Information

• Interests: Syahidah is passionate about sports and community engagement, often sharing her journey to inspire others.
• Social Impact: She is a strong advocate for inclusivity in sports and has become a role model for athletes with disabilities.

Competitive Archery

Debut and Rise
Syahidah made her competitive archery debut in 2015 at the Bangkok Para Archery Championships. Since then, she has participated in 17 competitions, securing an impressive 10 podium finishes. Her preparation process is unique, as she describes it as a form of art: “Before the start of every shoot, I will tell myself to breathe in confidence and breathe out anxiety… I imagine myself hitting the ‘X’ all the time.”

Syahidah competes as a W3 athlete in para-archery, shooting from a stool with her legs touching the ground. She utilizes a compound bow with a draw strength of 18kg and has been coached by Rachel Sng and currently by Pang Qing Liang.

Landmark Competitions
Syahidah’s breakthrough came at the ASEAN Paralympic Games in December 2015, where she won two gold medals for Singapore. A year later, she made history as the first Singaporean para-archer to compete at the Rio Paralympic Games, reaching the quarter-finals. In June 2019, at the World Archery Para Championships in the Netherlands, Syahidah achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Singaporean world champion in para-archery, defeating the defending champion Jessica Stretton from Britain. Expressing her joy, she remarked, “I was only focusing on my coach’s voice, my process and routine. It was a really happy moment for me.”

Achievements and Recognition

In October 2019, Syahidah earned the prestigious title of world-ranked number one in the individual compound women open rankings for para-archery. Her accomplishments led her to be named Sportswoman of the Year at the 2020 Singapore Disability Sports Awards, acknowledging her contributions to the sport and her exemplary performance.

Podium Finishes

As of December 2020, Syahidah has won a total of seven gold medals, two silver medals, and one bronze medal in various competitions, including:

Future Prospects
Nur Syahidah Alim continues to represent Singapore on the international stage, aiming to further her achievements in the sport of para-archery. With her determination and passion, she inspires many and hopes to pave the way for future athletes in the para-sports community.