SELANGOR, which are going through a rebuilding process with their junior squad, have decided to field their rookie exponents in the wushu competition in the Malaysia Games (Sukma) in Terengganu from May 31 to June 9.

Selangor Wushu Federation secretary T.T. Wong said they were not expecting the young charges to produce exceptional results at the biennial games.

“We are nurturing the youngsters because most of our seniors have moved on. So, we have to embark on a development programme and groom new talents for the future,” he added.

Sixteen exponents have been training three times a week at the SS15 multi-purpose hall in Subang Jaya since June last year. After Sukan Selangor (Sukses), the training squad was trimmed to 12 for the Sukma.

The newcomers making their debut in the men’s competition include Fu Fang Zyun, 10, Chim Ai Di, 11, Tan Ze Wei, 12, Thum Qi Ye, 12, Tan Ze Jing, 13, Mohd Amir Yusof, 14, and Thum Qi Yang, 15, while the women exponents are Farah Nabilah Hairol, 12, Liew Shao Jie, 13, Kuan Wei Wen, 14, Yeow Wen Kah, 15, and Lore Yun Kei, 22.

Lore, who is the oldest in the group, said she was excited to earn a place in the Selangor team. She will be making her debut in the Sukma in the women’s taijiquan event.

“I took up taijiquan two years ago as a form of recreational exercise under my instructor (Tan Sew Kee) in USJ2. I did not realise that I was good enough to represent the state,” added Lore, who is determined to get her preparation for the games back on track after dislocating her elbow in a fall two months ago.

The coaches in Selangor are Yang Chang Bin and Wan Shiram Shawari Wan Ramli while Yap Haw Shen is the assistant coach.

At the last Sukma in Kedah, Selangor bagged four medals – two gold, one silver and one bronze. However, for this year’s Sukma, Wong said they were looking at three medals – a gold, a silver and a bronze.

Among the trainees, Qi Yang has the potential to win a medal. The Form Three student of SMK Seri Kembangan will be competing in three events – changquan (northern style boxing), jianshu (sword) and quangshu (spear).

Selangor are also hoping that two contenders – Kuan and Yeow – will be able to spring a surprise in the women’s category.

Kuan and Yeow will be focusing on medals in the nanquan (southern style boxing) and changquan respectively.

However, Wong expects the new crop of trainees to mount a strong challenge and excel with proper guidance and continuous training at the Games in 2010. He said the emerging exponents could look forward to polishing up their skills in China during the year-end school holidays.

By NG WEI LOON
Photos by BRIAN MOH