Ex-world wushu champ Weng Son returns in new role

All smiles: Wushu team manager Wong Weng Son with chef de mission Nurul Huda Abdullah.

PETALING JAYA: Two-time world champion athlete Wong Weng Son is back in the picture but not as an athlete.

The 33-year-old, who retired a year ago, is the team manager for the Malaysian wushu team for Thailand SEA Games.

The Wushu Federation of Malaysia are perhaps mindful of the tough challenges faced by the national exponents at the Thailand SEA Games next week, hence the bold move to put their trust in a former athlete.

Weng Son, who is the youngest team manager for the Thailand SEA Games, was honoured by the appointment but admitted it comes with huge responsibilities.

“It’s a different role I am coming to terms with but I’m up for the challenge.

“As a former athlete, I know the frustrations and what is on their minds going into a major competition like this.

“I will share what I experienced before and hopefully, it will help our athletes to overcome any tough situation they can expect.

“Wushu competition this time is much tougher as they have combined few events into one, so we have also lowered the medal expectations to one gold.

“It is very hard as there are no room for mistakes and our athletes have to adapt to the pressure.

“But I believe our sport will still be able to deliver the results from what I’ve seen so far.

“Our exponents have worked very hard to be in a position to deliver good results.

“Now is the time to maintain their momentum after the World Championships and avoid any injuries at the same time,” said the former changquan and jianshu world champion, who admitted he was surprised by the performance shown by the current exponents at the world meet in Brasilia, Brazil, in September.

The Malaysian wushu team romped to five gold medals for their best ever showing at the world meet.

New stars Lee Jia Rong and Si Shin Peng emerged with golden performances while Tan Cheong Min continued to deliver the goods in the world meet.

“I am surprised by the performance of the younger generation. I believe they are going to be much better than me, so I know the future is good for our support with proper support from everyone.”

Wushu will take place from Dec 13-15 in Bangkok.