Asian Games: Malaysia eager to make instant impact

NOW that the internal problems that plagued the sport for five years have been resolved and the newly-formed Taekwondo Malaysia (WTF) is in charge, the sport is set for a better future and hopefully, the national exponents can make an impact on their return to the Asian Games in Guangzhou.
Malaysia were not represented in taekwondo in Doha four years ago, after the Malaysia Taekwondo Association was de-registered.

In Guangzhou, Malaysia will be represented by men Rusfredy Tokan Petrus (below 58kg), Ryan Chong (below 62kg), Mohd Afifuddin Omar Sidek (below 68kg) and women Elaine Teo (below 49kg), Nurul Asfahlina Mohamed Johari (below 46kg) and Nurul Nadia Mahamat (below 53kg).

Despite lacking competitive exposure over the year, the exponents will not be competing on unfamiliar grounds at the Asian Games as they have experience on their side. Going by their form, the exponents are expected to return with at least two medals from Guangzhou.
Two-time Olympian Elaine, Ryan and Rusfredy are among the ones in contention for medals in their respective weight categories.

Elaine, who has been representing Malaysia since 1998, turned on an impressive performance by winning gold in the Korea Open (July) and Indian Open (Sept), which makes her a prime candidate for an Asian Games medal.

Elaine made her Asian Games debut in the 2002 Busan edition but failed to land a medal after losing in the quarter-finals to a South Korean exponent.

"My personal target is to win a medal of any colour. The favourite in my event is China's Olympic champion Wu Jiangyu, who I hope to avoid in the early rounds," said Elaine.

Rusfedry's participation, however, is still in limbo as he suffered a leg injury in the India Open. Team manager K.M. Rajendran said Malaysia's medal hopes will depend on the yet-to-be-released draw.

"We are banking on our experienced exponents, especially Elaine, to deliver medals. A good draw will certainly increase our chances," said Rajendran.

"In terms of preparation, our exponents competed in only two international meets this year. I wouldn't say it is enough compared to other nations, who have been preparing for years."

The exponents, however, had a fruitful two-week stint at the Lela High School in Incheon, where they had a chance to spar with Korean exponents.

"The school is known for producing top Korean exponents, who have gone on to win Olympic medals. Our exponents learnt new things there and I hope the experience will do them good in the Asian Games," he said.

In Guangzhou, each country can only be represented by six exponents with 16 gold medals on offer.

Read more: Asian Games:NST