Malaysian gymnasts must think as one under new Asian Games format

KUALA LUMPUR: For Malaysia's rhythmic gymnasts, the upcoming Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games will demand more than individual talent. The Olympic Council of Asia has introduced a new format, the five-gymnast group all-around event, requiring these athletes to develop collective thinking. The team consists of Maia Ong Xiao Han, Carol Na Yuan Qi, Bernice See Qin Nin, Victoria Manalang Tan Fu-Hui, and Low Ee Shuen.

With only months of training together, synchronizing their performances will be challenging. This squad underwent significant changes after last year's SEA Games in Thailand, with 17-year-old Ee Shuen promoted from junior ranks and Victoria stepping into the starting lineup alongside experienced teammates.

Group rhythmic gymnastics demands precise teamwork, as even minor errors can ruin a routine. This became evident at the Asian Championships in Tashkent, where the newly formed Malaysian team finished seventh in the group all-around. Qualifying for the finals is crucial, as only the top eight teams advance. National team manager Foong Peik Chow emphasized that fostering a cohesive group mentality has been their priority under Japanese coach Eriko Akebayashi.

Peik Chow highlighted the team's technical improvement and mental readiness for this level of competition, stressing that all five gymnasts must think as one to achieve success.

The competition will take place at the Nippon Gaishi Hall in Nagoya from October 1 to 3, where Malaysia will perform two routines: one with five balls and another featuring hoops and ribbons. Malaysia has yet to win a rhythmic gymnastics medal at the Asian Games, their best result being a fourth place in the individual team event at Doha 2006. Peik Chow expressed their goal of reaching the finals, aiming to remain the top Southeast Asian country in gymnastics and eventually break into the top five globally.