His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah, President of the BDNOC at the final day of the 10th Asian Junior Wushu Championships. PHOTO: INFOFOTO
National junior wushu athlete Zi Qi Chiam with other winners on the podium. PHOTO: FADHIL YUNUS
Brunei Darussalam was represented on the podium on a daily basis since the start of the 10th Asian Junior Wushu Championships after national junior athlete Zi Qi Chiam bagged a silver medal in the girl’s jianshu children event at the Indoor Stadium of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex yesterday.
His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah, President of the Brunei Darussalam National Olympic Council (BDNOC) was present during the taolu event in the morning session.
Also in attendance was Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak ‘Aliiyah Amalul Bulqiah.
The young wushu talent accumulated a total of 9.11 points, behind Singapore’s Heidi Kong Kai En who won gold with 9.15 points and ahead of Indonesia’s Djalimin Jessie who claimed bronze with 9.05 points.
Brunei also achieved their best ever result in the Asian Junior Wushu Championships after they managed a haul of four gold medals, two silver and one bronze in taolu.
Brunei Darussalam, who became hosts of the tournament for the first time, finished in eighth place in the taolu event and ninth overall in the taolu and sanda combined events.
National coach Li Hui heaped praise on Zi Qi’s performance after winning her country’s eighth medal of the championship.
“It’s the first that she (Zi Qi) competed in the Asian Junior wushu. She displayed a quality wushu performance. The kid has vast potential,” said Li Hui.
He added, “Today, we have four gold, two silver and one bronze. This is the best performance for Brunei in the Asian Junior Wushu Championship.”
“We are at the right place out of 19 teams. We made a vast improvement. From a last place ranking to eighth place is an impressive result.”
The national coach indicated promising signs for the future after assisting in the development of the young wushu athletes.
“After 13 years of nurturing the talent of Brunei junior wushu, I feel that they have blossomed and there are talented athletes to succeed in the future,” said Li Hui.
Meanwhile, China was ranked first in the taolu event with 12 golds. The tournament favourites topped the combined taolu and sanda table with 20 golds, two silver and one bronze.
Macau, whose quick-fire double gold in taolu on Wednesday provided them a major boost, sealed the runners-up spot in the taolu event and combined taolu and sanda.
Malaysia accumulated six golds, nine silver and five bronze to take third place in the taolu table. The Islamic Republic of Iran finished third in the combined taolu and sanda.
