From Humble Beginnings to Championship Glory
Feature: Danial Hariz Rizal
For many young athletes, the journey to success begins with a spark of inspiration. For Secondary 4 student-athlete Danial Hariz Rizal, that spark ignited at the tender age of six when he first witnessed his cousins’ unwavering dedication to Pencak Silat. Their intense training sessions and mastery of the martial art fascinated him, setting him on a path of self-discovery and excellence. Little did he know that this early exposure would blossom into a lifelong passion and an impressive sporting career.
To Danial, Pencak Silat is more than just a sport – it is a test of endurance, discipline, and mental fortitude. With every precise movement and calculated strike, he hones not only his skills but also his character. “The sport demands precision, power, and timing in every movement, teaching me the importance of discipline and focus,” he shares. But beyond physical strength, the most valuable lesson Pencak Silat has taught him is humility. He understands that no matter how skilled he becomes, there is always someone who can teach him something new.
Among his many experiences, one competition stands out as the most memorable – the 5thJunior World Pencak Silat Championship 2024, held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. At the World Junior Championships, Danial’s artistic team was crowned World Junior champions. He also won a silver medal in Junior Male Class I category.The magnitude of the event, the pressure to perform, and the unpredictable schedule tested his resilience like never before. Yet, it was the unwavering camaraderie of his teammates that carried him through. One particular match remains etched in his memory. A fierce battle against an Indian opponent. With only 20 seconds remaining, Danial zeroed in, maintained his composure, and managed to secure victory.
Earlier, Danial had clinched gold in the Junior Male Class I at the 8th Asian Pencak Silat Championship 2024 in Bukhara, Uzbekistan in October.
As a student-athlete at Singapore Sports School, Danial has had to master the art of balancing rigorous training with academic responsibilities. While discipline and responsibility are crucial, it is humility and a focused mentality that resonate most deeply with him. “My journey in Silat has shown me that there’s always someone better, someone to learn from,” he says. This mindset keeps him grounded and committed to constant improvement. Likewise, his ability to prioritise and stay focused helps him excel in both his studies and his sport, equipping him with invaluable skills for the future.
Every athlete has a role model who pushes them to strive for more. For Danial, that figure is his cousin, Adib Farhan, a former World and Asian Pencak Silat champion. Growing up, he watched Adib dominate competitions with sheer skill and determination. That unwavering dedication left a profound impact on Danial, fuelling his own aspirations. “His achievements remind me that with dedication, anything is possible,” he says with admiration.
Danial’s journey is far from over. With his immediate focus on refining his techniques and enhancing his power and precision, he is determined to build on the lessons learned from the Junior World Championships. But his ultimate dream is far greater. He wants to represent his country on the world stage. It is a goal that demands resilience, discipline, and an unyielding focused mentality. Yet, Danial remains steadfast. “Ultimately, I aim to become a champion, not just in competition, but also in character,” he declares.
For many young athletes, the journey to success begins with a spark of inspiration. For Secondary 4 student-athlete Danial Hariz Rizal, that spark ignited at the tender age of six when he first witnessed his cousins’ unwavering dedication to Pencak Silat. Their intense training sessions and mastery of the martial art fascinated him, setting him on a path of self-discovery and excellence. Little did he know that this early exposure would blossom into a lifelong passion and an impressive sporting career.
To Danial, Pencak Silat is more than just a sport – it is a test of endurance, discipline, and mental fortitude. With every precise movement and calculated strike, he hones not only his skills but also his character. “The sport demands precision, power, and timing in every movement, teaching me the importance of discipline and focus,” he shares. But beyond physical strength, the most valuable lesson Pencak Silat has taught him is humility. He understands that no matter how skilled he becomes, there is always someone who can teach him something new.
Among his many experiences, one competition stands out as the most memorable – the 5thJunior World Pencak Silat Championship 2024, held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. At the World Junior Championships, Danial’s artistic team was crowned World Junior champions. He also won a silver medal in Junior Male Class I category.The magnitude of the event, the pressure to perform, and the unpredictable schedule tested his resilience like never before. Yet, it was the unwavering camaraderie of his teammates that carried him through. One particular match remains etched in his memory. A fierce battle against an Indian opponent. With only 20 seconds remaining, Danial zeroed in, maintained his composure, and managed to secure victory.
Earlier, Danial had clinched gold in the Junior Male Class I at the 8th Asian Pencak Silat Championship 2024 in Bukhara, Uzbekistan in October.
As a student-athlete at Singapore Sports School, Danial has had to master the art of balancing rigorous training with academic responsibilities. While discipline and responsibility are crucial, it is humility and a focused mentality that resonate most deeply with him. “My journey in Silat has shown me that there’s always someone better, someone to learn from,” he says. This mindset keeps him grounded and committed to constant improvement. Likewise, his ability to prioritise and stay focused helps him excel in both his studies and his sport, equipping him with invaluable skills for the future.
Every athlete has a role model who pushes them to strive for more. For Danial, that figure is his cousin, Adib Farhan, a former World and Asian Pencak Silat champion. Growing up, he watched Adib dominate competitions with sheer skill and determination. That unwavering dedication left a profound impact on Danial, fuelling his own aspirations. “His achievements remind me that with dedication, anything is possible,” he says with admiration.
Danial’s journey is far from over. With his immediate focus on refining his techniques and enhancing his power and precision, he is determined to build on the lessons learned from the Junior World Championships. But his ultimate dream is far greater. He wants to represent his country on the world stage. It is a goal that demands resilience, discipline, and an unyielding focused mentality. Yet, Danial remains steadfast. “Ultimately, I aim to become a champion, not just in competition, but also in character,” he declares.
- From Humble Beginnings to Championship Glory