Shasangari in fitness battle

Sea Games gold medallist N.Shasangari Sivaneswary is fighting against time to recover from an ankle injury before the rhythmic gymnastics trials for the Kuala Lumpur Sea Games later this month.

The 18-year-old gymnast, who won the individual all around gold two years ago, picked up the injury during training last Thursday and will miss the Aphrodite Cup in Greece (March 24-26)

“It’s really unfortunate that I injured my ankle just last week and will now have to miss the competition in Greece.

“I don’t think it’s serious, but I will have to recover soon and come back stronger because I really want to defend the gold medal here and do well for the team.

“It’s not easy because there are seven of us vying for four spots and we are very competitive,” said Shangari yesterday.

Apart from Shangari, the other six elite gymnasts are Koi Sie Yan, who also won gold in Singapore, Amy Kwan Dict Wen, Izzah Amzan, Chong Lok Yi, Olivia Tai Qing Tong and Wong Poh San.

Meanwhile KL Sea Games Chef de Mission (CDM) Datuk Marina Chin does not want to put pressure on the athletes despite a clean sweep target set by the Malaysian Gymnastic Federation (MGF).

“I have faith in our athletes. because if they are not good. I am confident we will do well,” said Marina who yesterday visited the gymnasts in Bukit Jalil.