Cambodia SEA Games: tough moves ahead for national gymnasts

KUALA LUMPUR – The national gymnastics squad have their work cut out for them, as the burden to clinch gold medals at the Cambodia 32nd SEA Games looks to be tougher than in Hanoi last year.

This year, the national male athletes face a difficult task, as the host has scrapped the women’s category in the biennial multi-sport event, scheduled from May 5-17 in Phnom Penh.

At the Hanoi SEA Games last year, Malaysia claimed four gold medals in the women’s category through Rachel Yeoh in the uneven bars and balance beam events, as well as two more golds contributed by Koi Sie Yan in the individual all-around and team gymnastics events.

Men’s artistic gymnastics coach Ng Shu Liang said: “Anything is possible in sport…we just have to do our best and follow the plan.”

“We also have two new athletes joining the team, which already has four other experienced senior athletes,” he said.

It is also understood that neighbouring country Philippines will send world champion Carlos Yulo for the Games, who has won five gold medals out of the eight events listed at last year’s edition.

“Having to compete against a world champion, the challenge just got tougher.

“He has two World Cup golds under his belt, and he will be a strong opponent to compete against,” Shu Liang added.

The national squad comprises Muhammad Sharul Aimy, Ng Chun Chen, Lukman Al Hafiz, Teoh Chuen Feng, and two young athletes, Ally Hamuda and Shakir Aiman. – The Vibes, March 14, 2023