In a bold move to nurture young talent, the Malaysian Wushu Federation made a strategic decision to field a team composed mostly of newcomers for the 2023 Asian Wushu Championships.
The decision paid off handsomely when 20-year-old Bryan Ti Kai Jie secured a gold medal in the men’s Nanquan event, marking Malaysia’s first gold at the Asian Wushu Championships in 20 years.
The championships, which took place from 12 to 15 September in Macao, saw Malaysia sending a contingent of 11 athletes.
Despite the absence of world champions Wong Weng Soon and Calvin Lee Wai Leong, the team was buoyed by world champion Tan Cheong Min, who contributed with a silver medal in the women’s Nanquan category.
A New Generation of Athletes
Malaysia’s lineup at this year’s championships was a testament to the Wushu Federation’s focus on developing younger athletes.
The members of the team consist of experienced members like Clement Ting Su Wei and Tan Cheong Min.
Meanwhile, the rest of the squad featured younger talent, including Pang Pui Yee, Sydney Chin Sy Xuan, Tan Zhi Yan, Si Shin Peng, Lee Jia Rong, Mandy Chen Cebelle, Bryan Ti Kai Jie, Mohammad Danish, and Wong Zi Hong.
Bryan’s stunning gold in the men’s Nanquan not only ended a two-decade gold drought for Malaysia at the event but also showcased the potential of the nation’s new generation of wushu athletes.
The 20-year-old followed up his gold medal with a silver in the men’s Nandao, establishing himself as a rising star.
“I made a very bold decision by giving Bryan the spot that would have gone to veteran Calvin Lee Wai Leong,” said Dato’ Chong Kim Fatt in an interview with Sin Chew Sports.
We didn’t expect him to win a medal, but his performance was outstanding. He gained confidence after competing in the Sarawak Malaysia Games, where he also won gold in both Nanquan and Nandao events.”
Bright Future
The Malaysian Wushu Federation is now looking ahead to the future, with plans to continue developing young talent for key upcoming competitions, including the 2024 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand and the 2026 Asian Games.
“This batch of newcomers will be the main force for next year’s Southeast Asian Games and the 2026 Asian Games,” said Dato’ Chong.
If they continue to perform well, we are confident that the 2027 Southeast Asian Games, which Malaysia will host, will present no major challenges for them.”
Dato’ Chong added that the federation is committed to rejuvenating the national team and that these young athletes are crucial to ensuring Malaysia’s success in wushu for years to come.
Malaysia’s last gold at the Asian Wushu Championships was won by Ho Ro Bin in 2004, in the men’s Nandao event. The success of this new wave of athletes signals a promising future for Malaysian wushu on the international stage.
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