Ak Fauzi Pg Salleh
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
THE national wushu athletes faced a tough battle at the 29th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
Md Sufi Shayiran Roslan was the country’s best performer placing 5th in the men's nandao and nangun after recording 19.16 points.
His younger brother Mohammad Adi Salihin Roslan placed 7th in the same event recording 18.79 points at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC).
Singapore won the gold medal in the event on 19.37 points followed by Indonesia and Malaysia on 19.35 and 19.29 respectively.
In the men's daoshu and gunshu event, Mohammad Adi Sya’rani Roslan recorded 18.77 points to finish in 7th place.
Brunei’s female athlete Ang Guat Lian finished in 8th place in the women's taijijian with 9.02 points, while her compatriot Basma Lachkar finished just above her in 7th position on 9.23 points.
The national wushu team manager Calvin Ang saw marked improvement from the athletes compared to the previous SEA Games in Singapore two years ago.
“They actually performed well compared to the last SEA Games in Singapore,” said Ang, noting that this year’s competition has seen an improved quality performers.
“Also we have to consider that this is the first SEA Games for (Adi) Salihin and Basma (Lachkar). They are young and they are good potential athletes.
“With enough exposure through international competitions, I am sure they will grow to be better athletes,” he added.
All hope is not gone for the national wushu team to finish on the podium at this year’s SEA Games as they will be competing in three events: nanquan, taijiquan and changquan today.
