Bullseye feast for villagers
Dad treats neighbours to a barbecue after archer’s gold win
IPOH: Jubilant father Cham Nong Din Long treated everyone in Kampung Tasek, Pengkalan Hulu, to a barbecue feast after his daughter Saritha Cham Nong won the SEA Games archery women’s team gold in the 29th SEA Games.
It was a nerve-wracking experience for the 61-year-old and his family but after Saritha hit the crucial bullseye, it was party time.
“We were so happy to see her holding the gold medal. To celebrate that, I decided to hold a feast for all the village folk,” said Cham Nong, who runs a grocery store.
“She played with an injured shoulder and did not fare well in the individual event. Before the team event, she called us and asked for our blessing.
“I told her to play for the country and not for herself, and constantly reminded her that she is playing for the flag. Her best would mean the world to us. She got a gold and the whole nation is rejoicing now.”
Cham Nong said he organised the barbecue because he was so happy that he wanted everyone to be part of his daughter’s success.
“The way to a person’s heart is through the stomach – with good food. This is the least we could do for everyone,” he said.
Admitting that her shoulder injury was a constant worry, the 29-yearold Saritha said her father and mother Alai Alui, always advised her well and believed that she would achieve success in the Games.
The two-time SEA Games gold medallist said she hopes to recover from her shoulder injury and come back stronger in future tournaments.
“I do not meet my family often but I know they are always supporting me. I have taken part in six SEA Games from 2007 till now but I always need my family’s guidance to do well,” she said.
For Cheong Sun Meng and Leow Lai Kun, watching their daughter – women’s world diving champion Cheong Jun Hoong – on television was a regular affair, but watching her compete each time was a nerv- ous moment for them.
Jun Hoong only took part in the women's 1m springboard individual, and led from start to finish with a five-dive total score of 268.55 to win gold.
Jun Hoong’s sister Cheong Jun Yeng said later that every dive was important to them and her parents constantly told Jun Hoong to remain steady.
For Jun Hoong, every competition is important, whether global or regional, she said.
“Her injury restricted her to only one event but she did well. We are happy to see her winning the gold right in front of us,” said Jun Yeng.
Jun Hoong has now collected seven gold medals from eight SEA Games appearances since her Hanoi 2003 debut.