Malaysian Shot Put National Record holder Nani Sahirah Binti Maryata has revealed her calculated, high-stakes distance target for the upcoming SEA Games: a throw of at least 16.80 metres to secure the Gold medal. The athlete, who set the current mark at 15.39m late last year, confirmed that her strategy is built around closing a significant gap against the regional elite.

“Based on data analysis, the distance I need to achieve to win the gold medal is around 16.80m,” Nani Sahirah confirmed. “The athlete from Thailand previously won gold at the Cambodia SEA Games with 16.71m.”

She added that her team is focusing on a safe zone: “My coach and I have agreed to target 16.70m and above to ensure I am in the medal contention group.” Her immediate personal goal is to hit at least 16.00m as a new Personal Best, viewing it as a crucial “stepping stone” to achieving the ultimate target.

Strategy: Lower Power Position for 16m Mark
To bridge this distance gap, Nani Sahirah is focused entirely on perfecting the Rotational (Spin) technique. She detailed the exact technical element she is refining, which is key to maximizing momentum:

“The technique I am focusing on for this edition of the SEA Games is rotational,” she said. “My main focus for the weakness in the spin technique is on the power position being lower to ensure my release angle is higher, so I can create momentum to reach that 16m distance.”

Achieving the high-water mark of 16m demands intense explosive power. Nani Sahirah pointed to intensive plyometrics (like box jumps and bounding) and heavy, power-focused lifts (including the squat, clean, and snatch) as the most critical elements of her training. This training regimen is designed to translate pure force into the high rotational speed required for longer throws.

Pressure and Rivals: “Not the Ending for Me”
As the National Record holder, Nani Sahirah carries the psychological pressure of expectation. She shared her practical tips for managing high-stakes finals, especially during the critical third or fifth attempts.

“For me, the way I overcome pressure is to gain more experience with big games where you need to fully utilise the first three throws,” she stated. “Another tip is to increase my warm-up throws—about four—before entering the arena to build my confidence.”

Acknowledging the regional strength, the athlete anticipates a tough battle from four nations: “My main challenge in this edition of the SEA Games is from Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and also Singapore.”

Despite facing rivals who have often outperformed her previously, Nani Sahirah enters the competition with a determined mindset, viewing the SEA Games as a fresh slate. “Although in previous championships I have always lagged behind the other participants, that is not an ending for me.” she affirmed. “As long as the SEA Games has not started, please pray for my success for Malaysia.”