National exponents spearhead state’s wushu challenge

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KUCHING: Sarawak are eyeing to finish among the top three teams in the wushu competition of Sukma XV at Universiti Malaysia Pahang Sports Complex Hall, Kuantan, Pahang from July 11 to 13.

The state is represented by six male and six female exponents including two nationals, Gjeblehem Bong and Kimberly Goh.

Wushu Lion and Dragon Dance Federation of Sarawak (WFS) secretary James Ting said yesterday that the state exponents are raring to perform well in Pahang.

“We are well prepared for the challenge and ready to contribute gold medals to the Sarawak Contingent again. Straight after the Sukma XIII in Melaka two years ago, the exponents have been training very hard for this Sukma,” Ting revealed.

However, Ting declined to name a specific gold medal target for the team but was very confident that Sarawak would do well as two Sukma XIII gold medallists are still with the team.

They are Gjeblehem Bong and Amelia Su.

“Whether we can win gold, silver or bronze medals, it would depend very much on the exponents’ on-the-spot performance and form on competition day,” he said.

Apart from this, Ting said the decision of the judges was also very vital as wushu is a subjective sport.

“It will be alright if the exponents don’t make mistakes while performing their taolu routines,” he added.

Shouldering the state’s challenge are Clement Yeo and Gjeblehem Bong (chang quan, jian shu, qiang shu), Andy Chan and Liew Lik Kee (nan quan, nan dao, nan gun), Bryan Sony Lah and Jarvis Lau (taiji quan, taiji jian), Kimberly Goh and Audrey Chan (taiji quan, taiji jian), Amelia Su and Ho Jong Xian (chang quan, dao shu, gun shu), Bong Yie Ching (jian shu, qiang shu) and Kelly Shu (nan quan, nan dao, nan gun).

Wushu offers 20 gold, 20 silver and 20 bronze medals.

At Sukma Melaka in 2010, Sarawak captured four golds, eight silvers and three bronzes to finish third overall after Melaka and Negeri Sembilan.

Meanwhile, in a simple ceremony at Kuching Civic Centre yesterday, Sarawak State Sports Council director Francis Nyurang Ding presented the state colours to the Sarawak wushu team.

Also present were MSNS coordinator for wushu Thomas Chia, WFS officials and sponsors.

The team will depart to Pahang on July 9.