By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, Aug 15: Sarawak’s 20-year-old Wushu athlete, Stephanie Ngu, made a stunning impact on the second day of Wushu events by securing two gold medals for the State, just two days before the official opening of the 21st Malaysia Games (Sukma) at the Sarawak Stadium this Saturday.
Ngu’s performance, along with contributions from her teammates, has boosted Sarawak’s medal tally in Wushu to six, comprising two golds, one silver, and three bronzes.
Additional contributions came from Carmen Chaw Jia Min, who earned one silver and one bronze, and Fung Tai Leong and Mok Xiao Yuan, who each secured a bronze.
Looking ahead, Ngu expressed hope of securing her third gold in the Qiangshu event tomorrow.
“I am mentally prepared for this highly competitive event and anticipate a strong showing,” she shared after receiving her gold medal from Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development and Sukma Sarawak Chef de Mission Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu at the Sarawak Wushu Training Centre.
With these victories, Sarawak’s Wushu team is optimistic about achieving their target of winning seven gold medals in the 21st Sukma.
Meanwhile, 17-year-old Carmen Chaw Jia Min was ecstatic about contributing one silver and one bronze in her second Sukma appearance on home soil.
Competing in the Taijijin and Taijiquan events, Chaw, who studies at St Joseph International School in Kuching, was more prepared this time compared to her first Sukma two years ago, where she did not secure any medals for Sarawak.
“I was more focused and better trained this time, and I’m pleased with my contributions to the medal tally,” Chaw said. Looking forward, she hopes to train harder and aim for a gold medal in the next Sukma if given the opportunity to compete again.
“Everyone aims for gold. If I’m selected again, I’ll work towards it and hope to join the national Wushu team. Now that I’ve completed my events, I’m here to support my teammates,” she added.
In other results, Brunei secured their first gold in Daoshu through athlete Walid Lachkar, with silver going to Melaka’s Lee Ron and bronze to Kuala Lumpur’s Kwan Yin Jie. — DayakDaily
