JOHOR BARU: When Malaysia’s national anthem echoed through the arena in Tianjin, China, it marked the culmination of years of sacrifice, discipline and training for 13-year-old wushu athlete Ho Jing Thye.
The Johor-born athlete clinched gold in the Boys’ Junior Jianshu (straight sword) category and two silver medals in the Boys’ Junior Qiangshu (spear) and Boys’ Junior Changquan (long fist) categories at the 10th World Junior Wushu Championships in March.
Athletes from over 70 countries and regions participated in the event.
His father, Henry Ho, 53, said his son first got into wushu at age five as an outlet for his boundless energy.
The family, he admitted, never expected him to perform exceptionally well during his very first international outing.
“Jing Thye was very active as a young child and loved jumping around.
“So we decided to enrol him and his elder brother in wushu class, and the coach told us both boys had potential,” he said when interviewed.
Despite his long training hours, Jing Thye did not let it affect his studies, as he would ensure he completed his schoolwork before going for practice, his father added.
For Henry, a former Malaysian junior squash number one, watching his son represent the country on the world stage was a proud and emotional experience.
“I told him not to put pressure on himself and just show the audience the best version of himself,” he said.
“When he won the gold medal and Malaysia’s national anthem was played, I was overwhelmed with emotion. It was a very touching moment for our family.”
To support their son’s sporting ambitions, Henry and his wife, Tee Yii Hsia, 48, take turns driving him to training sessions.
On weekdays, the youngster trains in the evening. On weekends, the sessions stretch from morning to afternoon.
“Sometimes when he is tired after training, we help soothe his sore muscles and pay close attention to his emotions,” said Henry.
“It is his dream to join the national team one day and continue bringing glory to Malaysia,” the father-of-three added.
Jing Thye’s coach, Cheong Kee Qing, who has trained him since he joined Mad Theatre Martial Arts Academy eight years ago, said the young boy’s talent was evident from an early age.
“By the time he was six or seven, I realised he operated differently from his peers.
“Jing Thye could master complex routines fast and even taught himself basic sword and broadsword techniques just by studying videos.
“He picked up subtle details that most children would completely miss,” Cheong explained, adding that the boy later switched from southern-style to northern-style wushu, which emphasises more expansive movements, agility and jumping techniques.
Cheong, who also accompanied Jing Thye to Tianjin, said he was impressed by the latter’s composure under pressure.
“His gold medal in the straight sword event came because he was fully immersed in his routine and relaxed throughout the performance,” he said.
“He is currently preparing for another competition in August, and I hope the national team recognises his potential and allows him to develop his talents further,” added Cheong.
