RIDERS READY TO RIDE HIGH
Teammates inspired to deliver in Sultan Mizan’s absence
THE withdrawal of Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin is a huge loss, but his teammates are ready to do their part and win gold medals in the Sea Games equestrian endurance individual and team events in Setiu on Aug 20.
The Terengganu ruler withdrew due to his horse being deemed unfit to compete in the Sea Games.
Those named for the endurance event yesterday were Fuad Hashim, Bulkhari Rozali, Adhwa Embong, Faris Haikal Mohd Hassan, Azizatul Asma Abdullah (all from Terengganu) and Kelantan’s Yusran Yusuf.
“Adhwa and Azizatul are the contenders, while the others will provide support and unless there are issues with their horses, we are very confident of winning gold medals,” said Terengganu Youth, Sports and Human Resources Committee chairman Datuk Rozi Mamat at the soft launch of the Sea Games endurance competition in Gong Badak yesterday.
Those present were Sultan Mizan, Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin and Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Razif Abdul Rahman.
Azizatul said he and his teammates hold a slight advantage as they are familiar with the route.
“However, anything can happen on race day. We expect a strong challenge from Thailand,” said Azizatul.
The other confirmed riders are from Cambodia, Singapore and Brunei.
Adhwa, who took fourth position at this year’s Sultan Mizan Endurance Cup, said his team are prepared, thanks to overseas exposure and competitions.
Khairy, in his speech, said 75 out of the 844 Sea Games athletes are from Terengganu.