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SILAT IN HER BLOOD: Saiedah Said, herself a world champion, counts world and regional champions in her extended family. -- ST PHOTO: LIM CHIN PING
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EVEN though she hails from a family that is a household name in the silat fraternity, Saiedah Said was teased non-stop by friends while growing up.
They wondered why a petite, sweet girl like her would spend countless hours perfecting fighting moves and kicking punching bags.
Said the soft-spoken 23-year-old, who began serious training at the age of 10, yesterday: 'Many of my friends who didn't know much about the sport always asked me why I was taking up something that looked more like it was for boys.
'My answer was that it gave me much satisfaction. If guys can do it, why can't the girls?'
Those taunts and jibes did not affect Saiedah. In fact, they made her want to succeed even more.
The good news for her is that this weekend, Saiedah will find company with like-minded individuals.
For the 2004 world champion (50-55kg class) will be one of about 200 exponents competing in the inaugural All-Women's International Pencak Silat Open at Bedok Sports Hall.
Organised by the Singapore Silat Federation (Persisi), the two-day event begins today.
The exponents hail from nine countries, including Malaysia, Japan and Azerbaijan.
One of the reasons for the tournament, said Persisi chief executive director Sheik Alau'ddin, is to unearth young talent and serve as a platform for top women exponents from around the world.
The sport's rapid growth in the Republic among both men and women, and the heightened awareness among the public are also factors.
Overall, there are now about 15,000 practitioners of the traditional Malay martial art here, triple the number in 2004. About one third are women.
Saiedah, a bronze medallist at last year's World Championships in Pahang, is one of the favourites to land the 55-60 kg title.
Said the 1.5m, 58kg exponent: 'This tournament is a good step forward for women, and the sport.
'It will attract young children and motivate other girls, and tell the guys that silat is not just for them.
'Some of the men still don't think we should be picking up the sport.
'Hopefully, they will see that there are lots of girls out there who can also spar.'
The 2004 Sportsgirl of the Year comes from a line of silat champions. Her late grandfather Hosni Ahmad used to coach the national team.
Uncle Hidayat Hosni was the 1994 world champion and 1993 South-east Asia Games winner. He is also Saiedah's coach.
Aunt Badariah Hosni was the 1992 world champion.
'Out of 17 uncles and aunts on my mother's side, nine have been silat exponents,' said Saiedah. 'So it has been sort of a family tradition for us.'
The full-time national trainee sees herself in the sport till 2010 at least. 'I've yet to win a SEA Games medal despite going to the 2005 and 2007 Games, so winning a gold there would be nice,' she said.
As would the experience of participating in the first all-women's silat competition.
limze@sph.com.sg
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