Meets to choose squad

12/06/1998

THE national artistic gymnasts will take part in three tournaments before
the squad for the Kuala Lumpur Commonwealth Games is finalised.
Games chef-de-mission Datuk Khalid Yunus, who visited the Jaya '98
trainees at the National Sports Complex in Bukit Jalil yesterday, said:
"Right now there are seven boys and six girls in training, of which five
boys and four girls will be selected.
The gymnasts train daily at the National Sports Complex and according to
Khalid, they will do well at the Games.
"I have been told that we have a good chance of a laudable finish. Our
athletes will surely mount a strong challenge in September."
Au Li Yen somersaulted gracefully to three gold medals in the artistic
section of the Jakarta Sea Games and her success won her the Olympian
award. She is the country's best hope.
Meanwhile, the National Sports Council and Malaysian Gymnastics
Federation (MGF) have been told to use their wisdom to pick the best three
rhythmic gymnasts.
"They should make full use of their expertise to ensure only the best
among the existing trainees are selected," said Sports Minister Tan Sri
Muhyiddin Yassin.
The selection criteria should include the gymnasts' performances in
training and competition, he said when presenting cash incentives to
national shuttlers, taekwondo exponents and shooters at the National
Sports Council.
Muhyiddin said the gymnasts' mental strength should also be considered
as this was an important factor in competition.
Artistic Gymnastics Fixtures - June 19-21: National Championships (Bukit
Jalil Sports School); July 6-13: Pacific Alliance Championship (Winnipeg,
Canada); July 12-10: Pre-Games Meet (Bukit Jalil).
(END)