This Singapore boy's interest in shooting foam bullets has begun to pay dividends.
Ian Izree Hairul Nazwa loves shooting Nerf guns so much, he has even taken part in a Nerf competition. Little did he know that his childhood fascination would lead him to winning two international modern pentathlon medals for Singapore.
Twin glory at Asean Modern Pentathlon Championship
According to The Straits Times, at the Asean Modern Pentathlon Championship (AMPC) held in Thailand from Dec 8-12, Ian won 2 medals; a bronze in the individual youth category, and a silver in the youth team category of the three-discipline competition, comprising a beach run, open-water swim and laser pistol shooting.
What made the win even sweeter was when his father, Hairul Nazwa Dol, clinched a silver in the senior men's team competition.
Ian is obviously very thrilled about the double win, "I don't really like cycling, but I was interested in shooting because I enjoy shooting Nerf guns.So when my dad told me the modern pentathlon has those sports, I decided to take part for fun."
The father-son duo first took part in a modern pentathlon together in 2012.
Father as coach
This 40-year-old Singapore dad also doubles up as coach for his only son, which makes sense, because he is also a full-time sport endurance coach.
Is coaching other students different from coaching your own child? According to Hairul, "You can be hard on your students, but you must be understanding of them. As a father, it's the same but I can push a bit more because I understand him better."
Ian thinks his father is really strict as a coach, "My dad is very fierce with me when it comes to coaching. He wants me to be focused, and if I try to fight back or argue, he'll add on extra sets."
He however, cherishes the time spent training with his dad, "But it's good; I feel honoured that he cares so much, and having a father who cares is better than having an outside coach, because he can help me with my diet and time management, and the training sessions can always fit my schedule."
Apparently, this father and son have competed in at least 10 races together.
We hope they achieve greater success in days to come.
Hobbies can work like magic to develop a child's personality. It gives them a welcome break from the daily stresses of academic life. Here's why your child should be encouraged to pursue his or her hobby:
- Bored no more : Hobbies can provide something productive to do when your child is idle.
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Builds confidence : There is an opportunity to accomplish something other than academics. Hobbies can help a child develop self esteem and determination. When the child realises that he has been able to achieve something, his confidence increases. He feels good about himself. This may even encourage him to do better academically.
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Learn goal setting: With good hobbies, children can learn how to set goals and achieve them. Goal setting is a very important life skill that can help anyone achieve his or her dreams. Some children are even influenced by their hobbies, when it comes to career choices later on in life.
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Develop the value of patience.
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Learn how to manage life, both personal and professional: There is more sharing, and give and take of ideas and strategies among children pursuing similar hobbies. This naturally improves their social skills and prepares them for some of the challenges of adulthood.
Also READ: The importance of play
(Source: The Straits Times)
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