Page 299 - The Guide To Sarawak

THE GUIDE TO SARAWAK 297
Wushu
Wushu in Sarawak was not a major force in the last century. However, since Datuk Alfred Yap became WAS president in 2000, the association worked hard to develop training programmes and engaged a world-class coach,
Peng Ying, from China. Sarawak subsequently took Malaysian wushu by storm and emerged champions
in every national-level competition. Sarawak wushu athletes were drafted into the national team and for the inaugural Asian Junior Championship in Hanoi, Vietnam (2001), Malaysia appointed a Sarawakian, Chester Lim, as team manager, and Sarawak players won three out of
the four gold medals for Malaysia. Sarawak has since excelled at the World Junior Championship (3 gold medals), the Asian Games (1 gold) and the World Championship (1 silver).
The WAS recently changed its name to the Wushu, Lion and Dragon Dance Federation of Sarawak
to reflect and inclusive approach to Chinese martial and performing arts. It is also noted for the large number of members who are not of Chinese extraction.
A Sports Event Destination
Beginning with the
Sarawak Regatta in the
19th century, Sarawak has played host to an ever increasing number of sports events, both competitive
and recreational. Notable examples include the FIFA U-20 World Cup (1997), The Borneo International Yachting Challenge Competition (annually), the Kobe-Osaka Karate World Cup (2009), the ITF Asian 14 and under Tennis Championship (annually), the Hash House Harriers’ Pan Asia Hash (1995)
and Interhash (2010), the Borneo Cup Invitation Taekwondo Championship (2010 then annually), the Miri International Deep
Sea Fishing Tournament (annually) and the Sarawak International Triathlon (annually). In the near future, Sarawak will also
be hosting an annual Wakeboard World Cup Round in Kuching.
A lion dance team from the Wushu, Lion and Dragon Dance Federation of Sarawak competing in an international tourna- ment.