Tan Cheong Min, a distinguished wushu world champion, has been selected to serve as the flag bearer for Malaysia’s national contingent at the upcoming Asian Games, scheduled to take place in Aichi-Nagoya from September 19 to October 4. The Melaka-born athlete expressed pride and gratitude for the appointment, emphasizing the significance of the role in her athletic career.

Cheong Min acknowledged the competitive nature of the selection process, noting that many other accomplished athletes, including fellow world champions, were considered for the honor. She described the responsibility as a source of additional motivation ahead of the Games, where she aims to secure a podium finish.

This will not be Cheong Min’s first experience competing at the Asian Games. At the previous event in Hangzhou, which was postponed to 2023 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, she earned a silver medal in the women’s nanquan-nandao combined wushu event. As she prepares to compete again, she hopes to replicate or surpass that achievement.

The athlete credited the Wushu Federation of Malaysia and the National Sports Council (NSC) for their strong support and highlighted the extensive training regimen her team has undergone. The team conducted two training phases in China to prepare for the competition. According to Cheong Min, the entire Malaysian wushu team is well-prepared for the challenge ahead.

At 28 years old, Cheong Min is considered a senior member of the team and recognizes the responsibility that comes with that role. “My target is to finish on the podium once again,” she said.

In other athlete appointments, national sprinter Mohd Azeem Fahmi, who won a bronze medal in the 100 meters at the Hangzhou Asian Games, has been named the pledge reader for Malaysia’s Asian Games contingent.