Mohd Hafifi Mansor bagged gold in the 69kg category.
GLASGOW: Mohd Hafifi Mansor’s wish is about to come true as Indonesian Lukman will coach him on a full-time basis.
The National Sports Council (NSC) had said that they would hand Lukman a long-term contract if the 24-year-old Hafifi won at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
NSC director general Datuk Zolkples Embong said on Sunday that they had hired Lukman as a consultant with the Malaysian Weightlifting Federation (MWF) for a three-month period only.
“We will review the contract now that he (Lukman) has proven himself. We will discuss the new terms and conditions,” said Zolkples after Hafifi won Malaysia’s first gold medal in the Commonwealth Games in the men’s 69kg category at the Clyde Auditorium on Saturday.
A delighted Lukman said he was ready to extend his stay and work with the Malaysian lifters.
“I’m ready for the new challenge,” said Lukman, who played a key role in Hafifi’s golden lift despite a short three-month stint.
Lukman is a former Indonesia elite coach and had guided Triyanto, who also competes in the 69kg class, to a silver medal at the London Olympics and bronze at the Beijing Olympics.
Hafifi said that he is looking forward to continue working under Lukman as he prepares for the Incheon Asian Games in September and the World Championships in Kazakhstan in November.
“Lukman is an Olympic-class coach who has great techniques. I may have more than 10 years’ experience, but there is a lot more to learn and gain from Lukman,” said Hafifi.
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