A group of promising young rhythmic gymnasts from Penang are aiming to make their mark in upcoming national and international competitions, with hopes of eventually delivering the state’s first-ever gold medal in rhythmic gymnastics at the Malaysia Games (Sukma).
In an interview with Buletin Mutiara at the Penang State Sports Council (MSNPP) in Gelugor today, head coach Koay Chia Li expressed optimism about the team’s future despite their young age.
Present during the session were gymnasts Charlotte Ang Xin Yan, Tan Queen Ting, Tan Yi Jia, Joelle Oh Jia En, Ee Shancey, Ashlyn Seow Pin Jing, and Phang Rouin, aged between 9 and 13 years old.
“Most of them began training with us at the age of six to eight, and since then, they have actively taken part in various tournaments to sharpen their skills and gain valuable experience,” Koay said.
She explained that the team’s immediate focus is on the Malaysian School Sports Council (MSSM) meet in Sarawak this September, where the target is to bring home at least one or two bronze medals.
“MSSM is a major tournament for this sport. They are still young and developing, so our aim is to give them exposure and gradually build their confidence,” she added.
Following that, the gymnasts will take part in the Petrina Cup Rhythmic Gymnastics Tournament, a national-level competition hosted in Penang this November which will also feature participants from other countries. The athletes will then head to Singapore for another international outing.
“It will be a back-to-back tournament schedule, which is challenging, but it will also provide our gymnasts with the chance to grow and compete at higher levels,” Koay said.
Looking ahead, Koay stressed that her long-term goal is to secure Penang’s first gold medal in rhythmic gymnastics at Sukma.
“They are not old enough to compete in next year’s Sukma, as the minimum age is 12. Our youngest gymnast here is only nine. But by the following edition, they will be ready, and our target will be nothing less than a gold medal,” she emphasised.
On training, Koay highlighted that sessions are held daily, although some athletes may miss certain days due to school commitments.
“For rhythmic gymnastics, judges look at three main components namely difficulty, artistry, and execution.
“These three must complement each other. At the same time, facial expression is also very important as it adds life to the performance. That’s why we put strong emphasis on these areas in training,” she explained.
She added that while some athletes were recruited directly from schools, others joined voluntarily before being selected as state representatives.
“We are still actively scouting for new talents because rhythmic gymnastics is not yet a popular sport here,” she noted.
The athletes themselves are equally motivated.
Charlotte Ang Xin Yan has set her sights on winning gold in upcoming tournaments, drawing confidence from her previous achievements, which include titles at the All-China Youth Sports Federation Children and Adolescents Rhythmic Gymnastics Tour and the 1st Lebee Cup Rhythmic Gymnastics Open Tournament.
Meanwhile, Tan Queen Ting said she is determined to improve and clinch a medal, while Joelle Oh Jia En and Tan Yi Jia are working on strengthening their techniques and overcoming nervousness during competitions.
Also present at the interview was state rhythmic gymnastics team manager Yeoh Beng Choo.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Alissala Thian