SINGAPORE: With the infighting in the Singapore Silat Federation firmly behind them, the athletes are now focusing on preparations for the inaugural Asian Beach Games in Bali later this month.

The Singapore athletes are undergoing a one-week centralised training in the nearby Indonesian island of Bintan.

Muhammad Razif Moklas may be the reigning world silat champion, but competing on sand is a different matter altogether.

The soft sand and sweltering heat was unbearable even for the seasoned athlete.

The training camp in Bintan was critical and the Singapore Silat Federation has set a target of two out of the six gold medals in contention.

The inaugural Asian Beach Games in Bali starts on October 18, involving 17 sports. - CNA/de