RO BIN FEARS PRESSURE
Ro Bin says Sea Games will be tough with high expectations
AJITPAL SINGH ajitpalsingh@nst.com.my
DISTRACTIONS will be the main worry for the national wushu exponents in the Kuala Lumpur Sea Games on Aug 19-31. Former world champion Ho Ro Bin, however, has come on board as team manager to assist national coach Lim Yew Fai in helping the exponents prepare for the challenge.
Ro Bin was the hero the last time KL hosted the biennial games in 2001 by winning two of the six goals medals. Malaysia’s haul of 6-2-5 in 2001 still stands as the country’s biggest achievement in the sport at the Sea Games.
The 43-year-old, who tried his hand in kung-fu movies after his retirement, believes the exponents will record their biggest ever haul in the Sea Games if they can overcome the pressures that may come during the competition.
Wushu, which will offer 17 gold medals, is on Aug 20-22 at the KL Convention Centre.
Ro Bin said the exponents need to be mentally tough as they cannot afford distractions when performing.
“The exponents will definitely have family members and friends in the stands cheering for them...I do not want them to think about anything when they are on the mat as one minor mistake will deprive them of gold medals,” said two-time world champion Ro Bin in a press conference organised by the National Sports Council in Bukit Jalil yesterday.
“I was performing in 2001 in KL and it was by far my toughest competition. Your mind needs to be at ease to perform well. It is different when you are performing overseas and at home. Expectations are higher in front of your fans.”
Ro Bin, who put Malaysia on the wushu map by being the country’s first world champion in 1999, has been sharing his experience on ways to handle pressure with the 25 exponents in the national team.
“They have been receptive to my advice. They are eager but anything can happen on competition day. The exponents are also sent to the National Sports Institute for weekly sessions with a psychologist to prepare them mentally,” Ro Bin added.
Yew Fai said a squad of six men and six women will be named for the Sea Games next month.
“We are in our final phase of selection. It is very close among the 25 exponents in the national team. Those selected may compete in the Macau National Championships in May and also head to China for a training stint the following month ahead of the Games.
“I want the exponents to focus on producing good performances in their events. If they can perform to their abilities, then definitely they will earn high points and maybe gold medals,” said Yew Fai.
Among those expected to make the 12-member squad are last year’s Taolu World Cup champion Wong Weng Son, Loh Jack Chang, Yeap Wai Kin, Diana Bong and Phoon Eyin.
Tai Cheau Xuen, who was stripped of her gold medal in the 2014 Incheon Asian Games for a doping offence, is doubtful as she is nursing an injury.