Barred over attire, Terengganu gymnasts to compete in wushu

Terengganu women gymnasts were offered to participate in wushu martial arts events.

This was after the PAS state government barred them from gymnastic events including for Sukan Malaysia (Sukma) due to tight-fitting attire.

Terengganu Gymnastics Association (PGNT) president Abdul Razak Mat Amin said the association would abide by the ruling.

“For now, our women gymnasts will be absorbed into the wushu event. So far, six of them have been moved to this event.

“PGNT will focus on its male athletes. In fact, we have brought about the best gymnast in the country,” he told Malaysiakini.

Abdul Razak (above) was referring to Muhammad Sharul Aimy Mohd Kamaru Hisam, 22, who won bronze in the Asian Games last week.

He added that PGNT’s female gymnasts have long prepared for this change so their talents can be directed to other events.

“So, they have been encouraged to join wushu because the fundamentals and movements of gymnastics are compatible with the skills needed in wushu.

“It’s just that they would need to compete with existing wushu athletes to be selected to represent the state in Sukma,” Abdul Razak said.

‘Respect our stand’

At the Terengganu legislative assembly sitting on Wednesday, state executive councillor (Youth, Sports, and NGO Development) Hishamuddin Abdul Karim raised the state’s guidelines regarding the attire of Muslim athletes.

He told reporters later that the state government remained firm in its decision to bar women athletes from gymnastics.

“We hope all quarters respect our stand.

“We do not despise the sport but to allow women athletes to (participate) in such a manner is inappropriate,” he said.

Meanwhile, Abdul Razak said PGNT’s discussions with the state government to allow women athletes to participate in gymnastics had hit a brick wall.

“I met the exco three times and our association even suggested a more appropriate attire, but this was rejected. So, we will abide by the decision,” he added.

Abdul Razak said PGNT has not sent women gymnasts to Sukma since last year. - Mkini