KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 4 (Bernama) -- Malaysian high jumpers have a realistic chance of securing a podium finish at the 2027 SEA Games, but the country will need another five to eight years to regain dominance in the event, according to former national champion Lee Hup Wei.
Hup Wei, who now coaches the national development squad, said the encouraging performances of young athletes at the recent Malaysia Games (SUKMA) provided grounds for optimism, particularly in the women’s category.
He said the men’s category had also shown positive development, with athletes making steady progress according to their respective age groups and development stages.
“If they continue like this, there should be (a chance) for a podium finish (at the 2027 SEA Games). We still have about a year left before the SEA Games.
“But if we want to win the gold medal again, it may take another five or six years, or perhaps even eight years,” he told Bernama when met after attending a Bernama Radio programme today.
Hup Wei said the progress of the young jumpers was encouraging, with their development moving gradually towards the targets set for them.
“In my view, so far, our progress has been very good and we are moving step by step towards the targets that have been set,” he said.
He nevertheless believes Malaysia still needs more time to rebuild its strength and return to the level of dominance it previously enjoyed in the event at the biennial Games.
Malaysia last won the men’s high jump gold medal through Hup Wei at the 2019 SEA Games in the Philippines.
-- BERNAMA