MELAKA: After emerging victorious in the women’s Nandao (Southern Style broadsword) event at the 15th World Wushu Championships in Shanghai, China last October, national wushu exponent Tan Cheong Min aims to snatch a medal of any colour at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.
Besides claiming the gold medal, Tan also took home two silver medals from the women’s Nanquan (Southern Fist — barehanded) and women’s Duilian (a dual event or combat choreography) events with Phoon Eyin and Loh Ying Ting.
The 21-year-old Melaka-born athlete said the goal now was to improve on her achievements in the previous Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia, where she finished in fourth place in the combined events of Nanquan and Nandao.
“I would like to win a medal at the 2022 Asian Games…regardless of gold, silver or bronze. So, I will focus more on my training for the tournament as well as on my studies.
“I can compete in three categories that are Nandao, Nanquan and Nangun (long cudgel). Next up would be the World University Wushu Championship in China next year and it will be my first participation in the competition,” said Tan, who is currently pursuing her studies in Information Technology in Kuala Lumpur.
The 2019 Melaka Sportswoman noted that the Asian Games was a fierce ‘battlefield’ for wushu athletes compared to other tournaments as medals will be awarded based on points collected from two events or categories involved.
Tan said wushu required stamina, physical and mental strength, as well as training and high discipline, as it would be costly for the athlete if they made a mistake or misstep.
Recalling her participation in wushu, Tan said it began with lots of hard work and determination, guidance and the support of various parties including family members since the age of nine while schooling at Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan (C) Cheng, here.
“I am proud of my achievements and will not stop giving the best for the upcoming tournament to continue to strive for excellence and uphold the name of Melaka and Malaysia,” said Tan, who was roped into the national squad in 2013 when she was 15 years old.
Tan, who has represented Melaka at the Malaysian Games (Sukma) since 2012, also won gold for the Nandao and fourth place in Nanquan at the 2019 World Martial Arts Masterships in Chungju, South Korea that was held from Aug 30 to Sept 6. – Bernama
