Taolu athletes face fierce battle for Sukma medals

KUCHING (March 12): Teams competing in the taolu (optional routine) events at the 22nd Malaysia Games (Sukma) in Selangor this August are expected to face a tougher battle for medals following changes to the competition format.

The revised format will see several events combined in line with adjustments adopted in international wushu competitions.

Wushu Federation of Sarawak (WFS) deputy president James Ting said only 12 gold medals will be contested in the taolu discipline at this year’s Sukma.

The events are nanquan, changquan, jianshu + qiangshu, nandao + nangun, daoshu + gunshu, and taijiquan + taijijian, for both the men’s and women’s categories.

“In the previous Sukma hosted by Sarawak in 2024, there were 20 gold medals up for grabs in the taolu competition,” he said.

“Because some events are now combined, it will be tougher for all teams. To win a combined event, athletes must deliver very consistent performances in both routines.

“For example, in the taijiquan and taijijian combined event, competitors must score well in both disciplines to secure the gold medal,” Ting told The Borneo Post.

When asked about Sarawak’s medal target, Ting said it was still too early to set a specific goal as the final squad of six men and six women will only be finalised in May.

Currently, 20 athletes have been shortlisted in the Sukma long list and are undergoing training six days a week at the Sarawak Wushu Training and Competition Centre at the Petra Jaya Sports Complex.

“We have more or less identified the athletes who will carry Sarawak’s challenge in Selangor from Aug 15 to 24,” he said.

He added that the Wushu Federation of Malaysia will organise a Pra-Sukma Wushu Championship in May, which will serve as another platform to finalise the Sarawak squad.

“We will also send athletes with medal potential for a training stint in Fujian, China in June as part of our preparations for the Sukma challenge,” he said.

According to Ting, Sarawak’s main rivals in the medal chase are teams featuring national athletes, including Melaka, Johor, the Federal Territories of Labuan and Putrajaya, as well as Kuala Lumpur.