The Kuching team posing with team manager Dora Phua (seated at left) and (from right, seated) Bong and Thian at Civic Centre Kuching after a training session last Sunday.
KUCHING: Defending champions Kuching are making a strong bid to retain the overall championship title at the 24th Sarawak Wushu Championship which kicks off at Miri Indoor Stadium today.
The 30 athletes are representing Kelab Wushu Bandar Kuching, Kelab Wushu Sekama and Kelab Wushu Serian.
Anchoring Kuching’s challenge are two former national youth and Sukma exponents Elvic Bong Qian Zheng and Clement Thian Fung Seng who are expected to deliver the bulk of medals for the team.
Other medal contenders include Sukma exponents Lee Hui Xian and Fu Wen Jie and state exponents Bong Yun En and her younger brother Bong Yun Pin, Yong Arifah, Lee Cau Peng, Mandy Lim Xin Hui and Landy Liew Jia Yee.
“There was no selection for the Kuching team this time around on consideration for the expenses for the trip to Miri and the members have volunteered to participate in the state championship,” said Kuching coach Ling Ung Hee, who is also MSNS Centre of Excellence for Wushu, Kuching coach.
“We are focusing on the taolu events,” she said.
According to her, no medal target is set so as not to put any unnecessary pressure on the exponents.
“My main objective at the championship is to look out for potential talents who will be roped into the state squad to shoulder the challenge for three major meets next year.
“They are the KPM Junior Wushu Championship, the National Wushu Championship and the National Day Celebration Martial Arts Championship,”
The team manager is Dora Phua while lending support to the team are Kelab Wushu Serian president Thian Chin Loi and Kelab Wushu Sekama president Bong Chong Jan.
The boy’s team comprises Lawrence Loi (captain), Chin Yang Ying, Elvic Bong, Clement Thian, Joel Chua, Edmund Tan, Bong Yun Wei, Lee Cau Peng, Adrian Chin, Bong Yun Pin, Allison Chin, Lai Yun Jun, Lim Song Yi, Anderson Chin, Adam Cheng, Alexander Chin, Lee Ming Rui and Leander Pu.
Bong Yun En (captain), Yeo Hui Ting, Yong Arifah, Lai Yun Yi, Mandy Lim, Lee Hui Xian, Cynthia Chang, Lai Shi Yi, Fu Wen Jie, Chin Yan Kim, Landy Liew and Ashley Chai make up the girl’s team.
The state championship, organised by Piasau Zhong Hua Wushu Club for the first time in Miri, has attracted 150 participants.
The host team are fielding the biggest contingent of 40 athletes, followed by Sibu (35), Kuching (30), Sarikei (20) while invited teams Selangor and Kuala Lumpur are sending 10 and five exponents respectively.