Wushu exponents have the Great Wall of China to deal with in Asian Games
China a big stumbling block for Malaysia
Bad news for Malaysian wushu. China are serious about continuing their dominance in the Indonesia Asian Games as they have entered for seven out of eight events at stake in taolu (barehands and weapons). The only event China are not taking part in is the women’s taijiquan and taijijian (taiji sword) all-around. But Malaysian exponents will not be taking it lying down as they vow to come back with strong results.
KUALA LUMPUR: China are serious about continuing their dominance in wushu in the Asian Games and it is not good news for Malaysia.
China have entered for seven out of eight events at stake in taolu (barehands and weapons) at the Asian Games wushu competition starting in Jakarta this Sunday.
The only event China are not taking part is the women’s taijiquan and taijijian (taiji sword) allaround where Lindswell Kwok is carrying the hopes of the Indonesian squad.
Lindswell, a four-time world champion, is the favourite and the 27-year-old will be hoping to finish her career on a high after settling for silver at the last Asiad in Incheon, South Korea four years ago.
But the Malaysian team are not about to give up the fight.
A flag handing ceremony – officiated by Permatang Pauh MP Nurul Izzah Anwar – was held on Monday night for the seven-member strong Malaysian team.
Wushu Federation of Malaysia president Datuk Chong Kim Fatt said they are optimistic about another good outing.
“Wushu have never failed to contribute at least one gold in every Asian Games since 2002.
“We also got a gold in Incheon through Tai Cheau Xuen but she had to return it later due to a doping offence. She took a slimming product and there was a banned substance.
“A gold will be very hard as Indonesia have not included our strongest event – the men’s jianshu (sword) and qiangshu (spear) where we have a world champion in Wong Weng Son.
“Our double KL SEA Games gold medallist Yeap Wai Kin is also ranked in the top three in this event.
“Weng Son and Wai Kin will only compete in men’s changquan but it will not be easy with China around.
“Lindswell is the favourite in the taijiquan and taijijian but her age and the fact that she has had injuries still leaves room for others to steal it from her. Our exponent Audrey Chan is young but her performance is stable, so we hope she can pull it off.”
Ho Ro Bin was the first Malaysian gold medallist in wushu at the 2002 Asian Games in Busan.
Chai Fong Ying repeated the feat when she claimed back-to-back titles in Doha (2006) and Guangzhou (2010).
Besides Weng Son, Wai Kin and Audrey, the other exponents for Jakarta are Loh Jack Chang, Calvin Lee, Tan Cheong Min and Phoon Eyin.