KUCHING (July 2): Triplets from Elite Wushu Club Kuching stole the spotlight with their debut performances at last weekend’s 4th Legend of Dong Wu Wushu Competition @ CyberNeon, held at KSL Esplanade Mall, Klang.

Norbel Wong Rui, Mirelle Wong Yu and Niamh Wong Ning made a powerful international debut, amassing a total of eight gold, seven silver and four bronze medals, helping Elite Wushu Club Kuching clinch the overall team championship with 182 points.

The Kuching-based team edged out Dong Bei Bei Taijiquan Wushu Academy (180 points) by a narrow two-point margin while Yu Xue Yuan Martial Arts Association followed closely in third with 176 points.

The event drew over 800 participants from Malaysia, China, Taiwan and Singapore representing 40 teams.

Norbel dominated the Girls Group I (13–14 years) category, claiming gold in Jichu Daoshu, Jichu Gunshu and Wubuquan (Combo 3). She also earned silvers in Jichu Changquan, Chuji Changquan and Chuji Gunshu, along with a bronze in Chuji Daoshu.

Mirelle shone in the Taiji discipline, clinching gold in 32-style Taijijian and Doubles Taijiquan, and silvers in 42-style Taijiquan, 24-style Taijiquan and Yang-style Taijishan.

Niamh captured double gold in 42-style, 24-style Taijiquan and Doubles Taijiquan, took silver in 32-style Taijijian, and added two bronzes in 42-style Taijijian and Yang-style Taijishan.

The team’s standout performer was Ruby Chong Jia Xin, a Primary Two student from SJK Chung Hua Bako, who delivered a jaw-dropping nine gold medals in the Girls Group D (8 years old) category. She also picked up a silver in Chuji Changquan (San Duan).

Her golden haul included events such as Chuji Changquan, Chuji Daoshu, Chuji Gunshu, Jichu Changquan, Jichu Daoshu, Jichu Gunshu, and the full Changquan Combo 1, 2, and 3.

Other multi-gold achievers included Hong Wu He, Hong Eu Kang, Chan Kang Wei, Alex, Joan Lee Yee Lin, and Naura Luthfia Abdul Ghani @ Morshidi, each contributing six gold medals to the team’s tally.

Also playing a key role was the Mukah Division Wushu Association, whose 27 athletes led by president Ho Ing Siong, competed under Elite Wushu’s banner and brought home 32 gold, 13 silver and 12 bronze medals.

Head coach Lydia Ling Ung Hee credited the team’s fine performance to rigorous training, discipline and strong team spirit.

“The results reflect the incredible commitment, focus and effort our athletes have put into their training.

“They outperformed not only national medalists from recent KPM Wushu Championships but also athletes from China and Singapore,” Ling told The Borneo Post.

Ling, who meticulously analysed judging criteria prior to the competition, emphasised the importance of avoiding errors that could cost valuable points.

“I was surprised that some athletes promoted to the Sarawak state team didn’t win any medals here. That tells you just how high the standard was at this competition.”

Despite some minor mistakes, Ling noted that several of her athletes scored as high as 8.600 points, showcasing their technical abilities and composure under pressure.

This marks the third appearance by Elite Wushu Club Kuching at the event, having finished second overall in the last two editions.

“This competition provides an excellent platform for our athletes, especially since half of them are first-timers, to gain international exposure and rise to the occasion,” she added.

4th Legend of Dong Wu Wushu Competition Elite Wushu Club Kuching lead Mirelle Wong Yu Niamh Wong Ning Norbel Wong Rui