Wong Poh San was the only gymnast who impressed at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games. - filepic
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s artistic gymnastics team have been dropped from the upcoming Incheon Asian Games (Sept 19-Oct 4).
The Malaysian Gymnastics Federation (MGF) have decided on sending just one rhythmic gymnast – Wong Poh San – to compete at the Asiad in South Korea.
MGF president Razak Mat Amin said the decision was deemed necessary after the lacklustre performance at the recent Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
Gymnastics came returned with three medals from the rhythmic discipline with Wong Poh San earning three medals – silver (ribbon) and two bronze (hoop and team event with Amy Kwan and Fatin Zakirah Jalany Zain Jalany).
The men’s and women’s artistic team however came up empty handed. The women finished eight in the team event while Farah Ann Abdul Hadi finished 11th out of 24 gymnast at the women’s individual all-around final. Hairi Azid Ahmad Saruji and Mohd Hamzaruddin Nordin did not make any apparatus finals in the men’s competition.
“Our achievements in Glasgow was just average compared to what we achieved in New Delhi Games four years ago which was one gold, one silver and three bronze,” said Razak at the launch of Jump Street Trampoline Park on Tuesday.
“After our exco meeting yesterday (Monday), we decided to base our selection on gymnasts that achieved their KPI (key performance index). So we can confirm that only Poh San will be competing in Incheon.
“As for Amy and Fatin, their participation is still pending a discussion with the gymnasts and their parents. We don’t want history to repeat itself Elaine Koon quit the team after a sterling performance the New Delhi Games in 2010,” he added.
“It was a big loss and we don’t want that to happen again.”
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