BUKIT JALIL — Rhythmic gymnast Ng Joe Ee should expect a difficult task at the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games as the forthcoming multi-sport event will pose a significant challenge to the 2022 Commonwealth Games double gold medallist.
Speaking to the media, former national gymnastics champion Sarina Sundara Rajah said 17-year-old Joe Ee must maintain her focus to make Malaysia proud.
“Every athlete, when they go for competition, they always want to do their best and make the country proud.
“(She should) just focus on what she has to do and truly enjoy performing.
“Hopefully, she can make Malaysia proud and… who knows, potentially win a medal,” she said.
Sarina, who clinched gold at the 1998 Kuala Lumpur Commonwealth Games, knows first-hand the rigours of international competition.
Having competed at the 2002 Busan Asian Games, she said the standards for rhythmic gymnastics at such a level are intense.
“I really hope that Joe Ee will be able to have a good performance and hopefully be able to break into the top five,” said Sarina during a press conference held after the launch of the Piala Puteri Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships.
The Malaysian Gymnastics Federation has set a “non-medal target” for Joe Ee and artistic gymnast Sharul Aimy at the upcoming Asian meet, with their mission being to secure a spot in the Asian Games final.
Joe Ee, who exceeded all expectations at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, bagging two gold medals, was recently crowned the 2022 National Sportswoman of the Year. — September 16, 2023