Nancy (fourth left) poses with Swee Hee (fourth right) and others after handing over the national colours to the Malaysian contingent. — Photo by Muhammad Rais Sanusi
KUCHING: The Nanyang Wushu Federation of Sarawak aims to bring home at least five gold medals from the First Zhonghwa Cup World Wushu Championship to be held in Taichung City, Taiwan from April 24 to 29.
Team leader Prof Dr Song Swee Hee will head an eight-member contingent of mostly experienced contenders to participate in 16 events.
This was disclosed by Swee Hee at a news conference before receiving the national colours from Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Nancy Shukri at the federation’s Centre of Excellence at Jalan Resak here on Saturday.
Over 30 countries are expected at the championship.
The Malaysian contingent comprises Dr Yeo Liew Yian, Lily Giam, Lai Lee Sze, Judy Song, Alvin Yeo, Jacqueline Song and Reyes Chang.
Swee Hee said about 60 per cent or over 800 members of the federation are Bumiputeras as the martial art gains popularity among the non-Chinese.
Nancy said the increasing number had taken her by surprise.
“Wushu is normally synonymous to non-Bumiputeras, which is the Chinese. But nowadays, they even have a Wushu centre in Kampung Gita and a lot of Bumiputeras and girls are also involved.”
At the function, Nancy was also given an appointment letter to be the honorary president of the federation for the year 2014-2016.
“Thank you for your confidence and trust in me. Officially, I would accept your appointment,” she added.