I’ll be back stronger, says Christine

KUCHING: Nineteen-year-old Taekwondo silver medallist Christine Li Ying Zhen is determined to improve her performance at the next Malaysia Games (SUKMA).

She admitted coming close to clinching the gold medal in the Women’s Welterweight (under 67kg) category.

“During the last few seconds of my match against Nadia Aina Syazwani Ishak from Perlis, I wasn’t paying attention to her kicks. These mistakes cost me the gold. Next time, I vow to do even better,” she told reporters after receiving the silver medal from Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah at Stadium Perpaduan today (Aug 19).

Li expressed her desire to compete in the SEA Games 2027.

“For now, I plan to finish my studies at Teachers’ Education (IPG) Campus Temenggong Ibrahim in Johor Bahru,” she added.

Pretty.

Meanwhile, 16-year-old gold medallist Pretty Amisha Amanda Francesca from Serian was elated with her victory.

“The last tournament I participated in was the National Junior Taekwondo Championship in Pahang,” she said.

Amisha plans to take a break from competitions to focus on her studies.

“Next year, I’ll be sitting for Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) and will likely participate in the next SUKMA after that,” she added.