Basma Lachkar is a two-time SEA Games silver medallist finishing in the runners-up in the women's taijiquan event. The 17-year-old was a former Sports School athlete and loves watching comedies after a long day. We at BruSports News had the opportunity to get to know her better.
Q: How did you get into wushu?
A: I started wushu from CCA (Co-curriculum activity) at my old school, Chung Hwa Middle School.
I registered myself last minute so I wasn’t able to join other CCA except for wushu and lion dance because all the other clubs were full so I decided to join my brother.
Sports School also played a huge part in my life as I got endless support from them.
Q: What is your favourite routine and why?
A: My favourite taolu would be taijiquan because is is the first one that I learned before taijijian.
Q: You have represented Brunei twice at the SEA Games so far and even managed to win silver medals at both editions. How was that experience?
A: After my SEA Games debut, I was more motivated to train even harder for the next.
The first experience was really helpful because it taught me to prepare even more.
Hence, I gained more confidence and felt less pressure for the second one.
Q: If not for wushu, what sport do you think you would be doing?
A: I don’t think i would join any other sports other than wushu in the long term but I do enjoy watching other sports mostly gymnastics and also tennis.
Q: Who do you like to watch for those sports?
A: My favourite to watch are Sloane Stephens for tennis and Aliya Mustafina for gymnastics.
Q: What do you think is the best memory to date for wushu?
A: There are so many memories in my sports journey, one of it would be Asian Junior Wushu Championships held in Brunei last year.
It was the first time that my teammates and I got the chance to compete in a group event. It was also nerve-wrecking but at the same time it was exciting to have a new experience.
Q: Do you have any idols? How do they inspire you?
A: I don’t really have any sports idols growing up. But my family is a huge inspiration to me especially my parents because they taught me what hard work really means.
Q: What do you think makes a good wushu athlete?
A: Just like other sports, it takes discipline and determination to not give up, no matter how hard it seems.
Q: Outside of wushu, what hobbies do you have?
A: At the moment, sometimes I help my mother with gardening or I would play badminton in my backyard with my brother. I also enjoy jogging during my free time.
Q: What kind of music do you listen to?
A: I love to listen to anything upbeat that can put me in my zone before training.
It changes just ahead of competition where I usually listen to something relaxing to keep myself calm and focused.
Q: How would you describe training under national coach Li Hui?
A: He motivates us a lot during training and guides us through our ups and downs, not only in training but also outside of our sport.
Q: Do you follow any specific diets?
A: I don’t really have a specific diet but i do try to eat less dairy products
Q: What tips can you give to those who wish to pick up the sport?
A: It will take time and commitment to improve and that there is no immediate visible results. Other than that, wushu is a fun sport to try!
