Brunei Darussalam’s Chef de Mission Umi Kalthum binti Haji Abdul Karim at the Brunei International Airport
Wushu athletes and brothers Md Adi Salihin bin Roslan and Mohd Sufi Shayiran bin Roslan. – PHOTOS: ISHAN IBRAHIM
BRUNEI Darussalam’s Chef de Mission Umi Kalthum binti Haji Abdul Karim is feeling hopeful and confident of the nation’s chances in the 18th Asian Games to be held in the Indonesian cities of Jakarta and Palembang from August 18 — September 2.
She said Brunei Darussalam will participate in some categories for the first time at the Asian Games level while the nation has achieved bronze medals in karate and sepak takraw in past games.
“This is a large Bruneian contingent so we hope to improve on the achievement of bronze medals,” she said.
Asked what the best chances were of achieving medals and in which categories, she replied, “This will be in the categories of Pencak Silat and Wushu.”
This expectation is based on achievements in previous competitions, she explained.
“In the other sports categories, we hope that our national athletes will put up a stiff challenge against their competitors.
“The level at this Asian Games is obviously higher than at the SEA Games. Other nations will also aim at medals, so our athletes must not only be physically ready but also be mentally prepared to fight for honours at this Games,” she said.
Wushu athlete Md Adi Salihin bin Roslan expressed confidence that their team can do well in the 18th Asian Games.
He and his brother Mohd Sufi Shayiran bin Roslan with other Wushu athletes will try their best to gain honours for the nation, he said.
“This will be my first time participating in the Asian Games, nevertheless I will try my best to be competitive,” he said.
“I will try to capitalise on my experience from last year’s SEA Games and I hope to improve on that performance this time around,” he said.
National Wushu coach Li Hui said the Wushu team has prepared for this Asian Games for a year, training hard at the Menglait Sports Complex, and have also trained in China for about three weeks.
He also placed his hopes that his charges will put up a good challenge at the Games, and added that the team gained good experience from their first participation at the past Asian Games.
