KUALA LUMPUR: Wushu exponents Si Shin Peng and Tan Cheong Min won a gold medal each for Malaysia at the World Wushu Championships in Brasilia on Friday, with their victories credited to confidence and mental toughness.
Melaka-born Shin Peng, who had already won the men’s qiangshu event on Thursday, dazzled the judges again with a flawless display to claim the jianshu crown with 9.746 points.
Macau’s Chin Ka Hou (9.736) and Hong Kong’s Chen Jiansong (9.733) settled for silver and bronze.
Cheong Min, 27, added to her silver in the women’s nandao with victory in the nangun, scoring 9.746. Taiwan’s Chao Tang Hsuan (9.723) and South Korea‘s Byun Si Woo (9.710) completed the podium.
Her triumph caps a glittering run in which she also became the first Malaysian to win wushu gold at the World Games last month.
It marks a sweet return after illness wrecked her campaign at the 2023 edition in Texas, where she managed only a bronze.
“This time Cheong Min was under a lot of pressure, but she stayed composed when it mattered most,” said Wushu Federation of Malaysia secretary-general Datuk Yong Kheng Chien.
“It is a relief not only for her but also for the nation that she has the mentality to win back the world title.”
Cheong Min’s win was swiftly followed by Shin Peng’s second gold.
The 23-year-old, who once considered quitting after years of frustration, delivered a career-defining performance in his first world championships.
“We never expected Shin Peng to shock the world with two gold medals,” said Kheng Chien.
“He went to Brazil with no expectations, but he overcame the psychological fear to upstage more renowned exponents. I advised him not to give up. Now he has proven himself.”
Kheng Chien credited the pair’s success to stronger psychological support in recent years, which has helped Malaysian athletes shed their reputation for mental fragility at the highest level.
“Our athletes used to struggle with pressure, but this time they were mentally stable and produced results. It shows that the support system in place is working,” he said.
After three days, Malaysia’s tally in Brasilia stands at three gold, one silver and one bronze.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
