About PORKAB Garut 2024
The Garut Regency Sports Week (PORKAB) 2024 is a regional sports event organized by the Garut Regency Government, held from July 21 to 28, 2024. The event features 26 different sports, including archery, athletics, rafting, karate, basketball, futsal, pencak silat, and table tennis.
Aside from being a competitive platform, PORKAB also serves as a selection process for athletes who will compete in the West Java Provincial Sports Week (PORPROV) in 2026.
One of the athletes who made a mark in this event is Az'zah Fauziah Yasmin Firdaus, a 2024 student of Tourism Marketing Management (MPP) at Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia. Thanks to her passion and dedication, Az'zah won two silver medals and one bronze medal in archery.
The Beginning of Her Archery Journey
Az'zah has been interested in archery since she was a child. She started practicing it in 5th grade, even though archery wasn’t popular in her area back then. What started as mere curiosity eventually became a big part of her life.
Her journey as an athlete hasn’t been easy. She was often compared to other athletes, which affected her confidence. There were even moments when she thought about quitting. But thanks to her strong determination and support from those around her, she chose to keep going and improving.
Challenges and Valuable Lessons in Archery
As an athlete, Az'zah often faces nerve-wracking moments, especially during big tournaments. “In every tournament, I always get nervous, and it messes with my focus,” she shared. But she always remembers what her coach said: “Your biggest opponent is yourself.”
With that mindset, she learned to manage her nerves and stay focused. Each training session and competition taught her something new, helping her grow into a better athlete.
From Her First Tournament to PORKAB 2024
Az'zah’s first tournament was in Bandung. Like many beginners, she dreamed of winning. But through that experience, she realized that losing is part of the journey to success.
Her continuous efforts led her to compete at higher levels, both nationally and internationally. Among her most memorable events were PORPROV and PORKAB. At the 2024 PORKAB in Garut, she proudly brought home two silver medals and one bronze.
Even though she hasn’t won gold yet, she remains optimistic. “I’m still passionate about archery because every experience teaches me to be brave, even when I’m unsure,” she said.
Tips for Overcoming Nervousness in Competitions
For Az'zah, managing emotions during a match is the key to performing well. Here are her simple tips for athletes dealing with nervousness:
- Distract yourself from the pressure – Talk to friends or listen to music before the match.
- Stay calm and focus on your technique – Archery requires a clear mind for the best results.
- Believe in yourself – No matter the outcome, trust that your hard work will pay off.
A Spirit That Never Gives Up
Az'zah’s story proves that success doesn’t come easy. It takes time, effort, and persistence. But with determination and confidence, she has achieved remarkable things and inspired many others.
With a burning spirit, Az'zah is determined to keep training and reach even greater heights. “Results come from within. We must believe in whatever outcome we get,” she concluded.
May Az'zah’s achievements inspire other students to keep fighting for their dreams and never give up!
Author : Muhamad Sabil Fawwazian Taufik