Tuesday July 14, 2009
Walking on the right track
By Y.P. SIVAM
The Race Walkers Association of Malaysia (RWAM) is convinced that it is on the right track towards grooming walkers for the country.
The RWAM initiated a three-leg walk circuit this year. The first leg was held on March 22 while the second leg was at the National Sports Council (NSC) Training Centre in Bukit Jalil on July 5. The third leg, to decide the overall champions in the eight categories, will be on Oct 4.
The RWAM deputy president, Khoo Chong Beng said they were impressed with the participants’ progress in the second leg.
On course: Mohd Shafik (left) en route to winning the men’s Open 10km event. “The walkers clocked faster times in their respective events. The results reflect the progress the walkers have made since the first leg in March. We expect to perform better in the third leg,’’ said Khoo, who also served as the chief judge in the second leg.
Negri Sembilan’s T. Dhiban Raj was one of the impressive walkers in the second leg. Dhiban, winner of the boys’ Under-18 10,000m walk in Milo-Malaysian Schools Sports Council (MSSM) championships in May, was involved in an intense battle with Muhammad Khairk Marith in the boys’ Under-18 2,800m walk.
But Dhiban, who trains under former SEA Games gold medallist R. Morgan, crossed the finishing line in 12:48 to win the gold medal. Muhammad Khairk settled for the silver in 13:00 while the bronze medal went to B. Anubarati in 15:01.
Closing the gap: Dhiban Raj (left) leaving Muhammad Khairk in the boys’ 2,800m event. Khoo, who had represented Malaysia in the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games, said the walkers should continue to train under their respective coaches.
“Our walkers have all the chances to win medals in the SEA Games and Asian Games. But they have to train diligently with commitment. Looking at the young walkers, we should be able to groom them for the future,’’ said Khoo.
Results
Boys
Under-12 (1,200m) : 1. Amirun Syah Ahmad Rusdi 07:23; 2. Kamarul Aimen 07: 33; 3. Muhd Nur Aiman 07:34.
Under-15 (2,000m): 1. R. Eswaran 09:23; 2. N. Sytyaraj 09:27; 3. A. Satish 10:14.
Under-18 (2,800m): T. Dhiban Raj 12:48; 2. Muhammad Khairk Marith 13:00; 3. B. Anubarati 15:01
Girls
Under-12 (1,200m): 1. Aina Fadhlin Syahmina Abas 07:36; 2. Nur Fadhilah 07:39; 3. Maria Atikah Abdullah 09:01.
Under-15 (2000m): 1. Nur Shahfika Zanudin 11:13; 2. Elena Goh Ling Yin 11:29; 3. A. Premila 12:02.
Under-18(2,800m): 1. Nurrushhaila Mohd Rusni 14:42.
Women Open (2,800m): 1. Song Gie Chee 15:01; 2. Lee Shew Keng 17:58.
Men Open (10km): 1. Mohd Shafik Roslan 52:52; 2. Wong Kei Ming 1’15:21; 3. Jesmail Singh 1’17:36.
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