Jing Xuan all pumped up to break national record in Gumi

PETALING JAYA: National javelin thrower Ng Jing Xuan is confident she has what it takes to break the 50m mark at the Asian Track and Field Championships in Gumi, South Korea, starting today.

The 20-year-old said she is feeling motivated after competing at the Hong Kong Athletics Championships last month, and is hopeful to set a new national record in South Korea.

“My preparations have been going smoothly and training has been good. This time I really hope I can get a new national record,” said Jing Xuan.

“After returning from Hong Kong, I wasn’t too satisfied with my results because I was fourth with a distance of 46m.

“It was good as I maintained my throw above 45m.”

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

Jing Xuan is part of the 29-strong national squad in South Korea until May 31, where they will be competing against athletes from more than 45 countries.

The Sarawak-born athlete added that getting adjusted to training on grass for her throws has not been easy, but there are positives to it.

“Training on grass for javelin throws is probably not the ideal surface. But I’m just taking it as another form of training,” added Jing Xuan, who aims to deliver a good performance at the Thailand SEA Games in December.

She came in fourth at the 2023 edition in Cambodia with a throw of 44.58m while battling injuries.