Tan Cheong Min, Malaysia’s leading wushu athlete, is preparing to compete in the women’s nanquan and nandao combined event at the Aichi Prefectural Martial Arts Hall, with expectations running high for her to secure a medal. The competition is part of a multi-sport event where Cheong Min is seen as one of Malaysia’s strongest contenders to reach the podium.

The 2026 Games have so far been challenging for the Malaysian wushu team, with Lee Jia Rong and Loh Ying Ting finishing 10th and 11th respectively in the women’s changquan event. Cheong Min, however, remains focused on her event and is ready to face tough competition, particularly from China’s Zhang Yaling. Zhang, who was the nandao (sword) champion at last year’s World Championships in Brazil and the Taolu World Cup in China, is widely regarded as a formidable opponent.

At the same World Championships, Cheong Min earned a silver medal behind Zhang in the nandao event but secured gold in the nangun (stick) category. Her previous achievements, including a silver medal in the combined nanquan and nandao event at the last Asian Games in Hangzhou three years ago, have set significant expectations for her performance this year.

Despite the pressure, the Melaka-born athlete sees the challenge as a motivating factor. “The pressure is always there in a multi-sport Games, but I like the attention,” she said, acknowledging that while nerves are inevitable, they help her improve and perform better.

In addition to her competition duties, Cheong Min had the honor of serving as one of the national contingent’s flag bearers alongside sprinter Mohd Azeem Fahmi during the opening ceremony on Saturday. This role was a rare opportunity for her, made possible by her event schedule, and she expressed gratitude toward the National Sports Council for their confidence in her.

As the competition unfolds, Malaysia’s hopes rest heavily on Cheong Min to elevate the country’s standing in the wushu events and deliver a podium finish against a field of world-class competitors.