KUALA LUMPUR: National gymnastics queen, Farah Ann Abdul Hadi is set to miss out on defending her gold medals in the upcoming SEA Games in Hanoi, Vietnam, from May 12-23.
This came after Malaysia Gymnastics Federation (MGF) secretary general Afrita Ariani Nasril confirmed that Farah Ann, who is likely to retire soon, has been left out from the final list of women’s artistic gymnastics squad which featured four gymnasts in the biennial games.
As today is the closing date for registration with the Games organisers, Afrita said MGF had to move on without the Olympian in Vietnam as she has yet to clear the air revolving around her future with the national squad.
“From the beginning we heard that Farah Ann is retiring and then wants to continue but for MGF we cannot wait until she gives the answer (on her future).
“Farah Ann had voiced her intention to retire in 2019 so from that moment we have already prepared two plans for the SEA Games, which is Plan A with Farah Ann and Plan B without her and now we opted to use Plan B in Hanoi,” she told Bernama when contacted today.
In the meantime, Afrita, who was just appointed by the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) as the deputy chef de mission for the next SEA Games, said Farah Ann is likely to tell the media about her status in a press conference, slated to be on Monday (March 14).
Asked how the national women’s artistic gymnastics squad would fare at the Games without Farah Ann, Afrita admitted the Selangor-born athlete’s inclusion would help Malaysia to stand a better chance in earning a gold medal for the team event.
“It is quite easy for Malaysia to win gold in the team event with Farah Ann in the squad….now that she won’t be part of the Games, we are targeting one gold in the individual event via Tan Ing Yueh (vault) or Rachel Yeoh Li Wen (uneven bars),” she added.
Farah Ann swept three gold medals in the last edition of the SEA Games in the Philippines via floor exercise, uneven bars and all-around events.
Previously, Farah Ann’s future with the national squad remains in doubt after she reportedly missed training for three weeks and is said to be considering calling it a day.
On March 1, Afrita had said that the 27-year-old gymnast was contemplating retirement due to age and injuries before adding that MGF was open to discussion if she needed help.
Apart from four gymnasts from the women’s artistic team, Afrita also announced that MGF had decided to bring six men’s gymnasts in the same category, followed by three women’s gymnasts in rhythmic individual and six others in rhythmic group exercise event.
She also said that MGF is targeting one gold from the men’s artistic squad via Tan Fu Jie (pommel horse) while another gold is from an individual rhythmic event.
Following is the list of 19 gymnasts who will represent Malaysia in the SEA Games in Hanoi, Vietnam, in May:
Men’s artistic gymnastics:
Tan Fu Jie, Muhammad Shahrul Aimy Kamarul, Ng Chun Chen, Teoh Chuen Feng, Luqman Al Hafiz Zulfa, Zul Bahrin Mat Asri
Women’s artistic gymnastics:
Tan Ing Yueh, Rachel Yeoh Li Wen, Geanie Ng Ee Ling, Zarith Imaan Khalid
Women’s rhythmic individual:
Koh Sie Yan, Izzah Amzan, Ng Joe Ee
Women’s rhythmic group exercise:
Shak Yuki, Ng Jia Wen, Ashley Lim Xin Yi, Maia Ong Xiao Han, Jingle Shak Qi, Yap Yi Tung
Bernama
Sat Mar 12 2022
Tokyo Olympics Artistic Gymnastics Farah Ann Abdul Hadi, of Malaysia, performs on the balance beam during the women's artistic gymnastic qualifications at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 25, 2021, in Tokyo - AP Photo
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.