Javelin thrower Jing Xuan believes her lofty targets are within striking distance

Ng Jing Xuan

PETALING JAYA: National javelin thrower Ng Jing Xuan won’t be content with just going the distance this year.

The 20-year-old, who is now part of the national elite set-up, intends to be a standout performer by breaking the 11-year national record in her event.

“I have high expectations this year which I’m very determined to meet. First, I aim to break the national record, which I hope to do in any tournament,” said Jing Xuan.

“I also want to be the first Malaysian woman to crack the 50m mark.

‘‘I believe I can do so, based on the intensity of my training at the National Sports Council.’’

The national mark in javelin is still held by Siti Nur Nadiah Othman, who posted 49.34m in the Thailand Open in 2014.

Jing Xuan has a personal best of 45.57m, which she registered in the Philippines Championship at the Philsport Track Oval in Pasig last year.

The Sarawakian then bettered that mark in the Malaysian Open, winning gold with a throw of 45.31m.

She also defended her Malaysia Games (Sukma) gold medal with a distance of 45.12m, eclipsing the games record of 44.98m set by fellow Sarawakian Ho Sin Hui in 2008.

Meanwhile, Jing Xuan has also set her sights on making her mark at the Thailand SEA Games in December.

In the 2023 edition in Cambodia, she persevered despite battling injuries to finish a creditable fourth with a throw of 44.58m.

Recalling the experience, she said: “I was still fresh, a first-timer in a big competition. It was good exposure and experience as I got to watch and compete with some of the best in the region.

‘’I hope I can continue my growth and be a top athlete in the region one day.”