S’wak’s fab four for SEA Games wushu
They are Diana Bong Siong Lin and brother Gjeblehem Bong Teck Fuu, Loh Jack Chang and Audrey Chan Yee Jo
KUCHING: Four Sarawak athletes have been selected to represent Malaysia in wushu competition of the 29th SEA Games at KLCC Hall 5 in Kuala Lumpur from Aug 20-22.
They are Diana Bong Siong Lin and her younger brother Gjeblehem Bong Teck Fuu, Loh Jack Chang and Audrey Chan Yee Jo.
Wushu Federation of Sarawak (WFS) secretary William Kong said yesterday this was another achievement to build Sarawak’s reputation as the wushu powerhouse which produces athletes for the national team.
“In fact, this is a sort of record for WFS as this is probably the first time that we have four athletes in the national squad.
“The four were chosen by a selection panel comprising national coaches and members of the Wushu Federation of Malaysia (WFM) selection committee, former national coaches and former coaches,” said Kong.
According to him, the SEA Games wushu team shall comprise six men and six women athletes, the majority of whom are experienced and have won medals in Asian, SEA Games and World championships.
“Loh won a gold and a silver at the 2015 SEA Games in Singapore, Chan won a gold while Bong will be looking to make amends in Kuala Lumpur this year.
“As for Teck Fuu, it will be a great experience for him as he will be making his debut in SEA Games,” added Kong.
Loh and Chan will be competing in taijiquan and taijijian while Diana and Gjeblehem will compete in nanquan, nandao and nangun combined.
“I believe they can win medals if they perform up to their capabilities. Furthermore, they have competed in previous SEA Games and enjoy the home ground advantage,” Kong said.
Kong said athletes from Vietnam and Indonesia will pose a very strong challenge.
Other members of the Malaysian team are Wong Weng Soon, Yeap Wai Kin, Khaw Jun
The four were chosen by a selection panel comprising national coaches and members of the Wushu Federation of Malaysia (WFM) selection committee, former national coaches and former coaches. — William Kong, Wushu Federation of Sarawak (WFS) secretary
Lim and Ho Mun Hua (men), Phoon Eyin, Loh Ying Ting, Aggie Cheah Ruey Shin and Tai Cheau Xuen (women).
The 12 national athletes underwent an assessment in a maca championship from May 31 to June 4 and are undergoing a training stint in Fuzhou, China from June 4 to July 2.