Ting (centre) admires the gold medals won by Bong as Yoong (right), Bong (left) and other athletes look on.
KUCHING (May 4): Sarawak’s taiji exponents bagged an impressive haul of three gold, four silver and one bronze medals at the recent World Taijiquan Championships in Burgas, Bulgaria.
They were part of the Malaysian team which collected a tally of eight gold, 10 silver and six bronze medals.
Swinburne University Sarawak student Marcos Bong Wei Zhe was the standout performer claiming three golds in the demonstration Sun style taijiquan, Yang style taijijian and Yang style taijiquan.
Serene Teo Xin Ling of Chung Hua Middle School No. 3 Kuching contributed two silvers via 3rd set taijiquan and 3rd set taijishan. She also finished in sixth spot in Yang style taijiquan.
Elson Chong Jia Bao, a student of Borneo International School, claimed the silver in Chen style taijijian, the bronze in the Chen style taijiquan as well as a sixth placing in the 42-style taijiquan.
The other silver was delivered by another Swinburne University Sarawak student Carmen Chaw Jia Min in the Sun style taijiquan. She was placed fifth in optional taijijian and seventh in Yang style taijijian.
Sarawak Wushu Federation deputy president James Ting Ing Seek described the achievement as a milestone, noting that opportunities to compete at world-level events are rare and invaluable for athletes.
“This is a world-class competition, and for athletes, it is the highest platform to display their abilities while representing the country,” he said when met at the Kuching International Airport on Saturday.
He was accompanied by Sarawak Sukma XXII wushu head coach Yoong Thong Foong and state elite coach Diana Bong Siong Lin.
Ting stressed that participation at such a level not only boosts the confidence of the athletes but also provides crucial exposure ahead of major meets such as the Malaysia Games (Sukma).
“Our athletes have very limited chances to compete internationally. So when they are able to take part in events sanctioned by the Olympic Council of Malaysia, it greatly benefits their development and the growth of wushu in the state,” he added.
Meanwhile, Yoong said he was heartened to see that the four athletes rose to the occasion against global competition.
“In such a competitive world championships, their results are very encouraging. More importantly, they performed well and showed the outcome of their training,” he said.
“I hope they will reflect on their experience, build on their confidence and further strengthen their skills. This exposure will definitely motivate them, especially if they make the final squad,” he added.
The four athletes are currently in the long list for the upcoming Sukma selection. The final squad expected to be finalised later this month.
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