MGF: Cast complete, now let’s get the gold medal
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Gymnastics Federation ( MGF) have challenged the rhythmic team to win a gold medal at next year’s Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia, following the inclusion of Izzah Amzan into the Podium Programme.
“The inclusion of Izzah completes the cast in our team,” said MGF vice-president Petrina Low.
Three other rhythmic gymnasts already in the programme are Amy Kwan Dict Weng, Koi Sie Yan and Shasangari Sivaneswary Nagaraja.
Wong Poh San, who won silver in ribbon at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, has been dropped from the Podium Pro-gramme following a dip in form due to injuries.
Petrina described Izzah’s inclusion as “timely”.
“Izzah was in a class of her own in the junior squad. We promoted her to the senior squad last year,” said Petrina, who is also the rhythmic gymnastics technical chairman.
“She has continued to show progress and won two gold medals at the Kuala Lumpur SEA Games.”
The 17-year-old Izzah played a part in Malaysian winning the team gold before she defeated her seniors to win another gold in the ball apparatus.
“We have four good gymnasts. It’s time we end our long wait for a team gold in rhythmic gymnastics at the Commonwealth Games next April,” said Petrina.
Malaysia last won the team gold through Carolyn Au-Yong, Thye Chee Kiat, El Regina Tajuddin and Sarina Sundara Rajah at the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur.
Elaine Koon is the only gymnast to have won an individual gold at the Commonwealth Games – in New Delhi in 2010.
As part of their preparations for next year’s Commonwealth Games, Petrina said they would line up a series of competitions for the gymnasts “so that they will be ready to face the likes of host Australia, New Zealand and Canada”.
“There’s only one international tournament left for Sie Yan and Shasangari – the Dubai International Open on Dec 5,” said Petrina.
“Amy is recovering from a minor ankle injury while Izzah is focused on completing the SPM (ongoing Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia) examinations. We’ll have more tournaments for them next year.”