Brunei Darussalam wushu star Walid Lachkar enhanced his status as one of the promising talents in the world after delivering a gold medal at the 9th World Junior Wushu Championships held at the Indoor Stadium of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex yesterday.
The nation’s latest wushu gem amassed a total of 9.186 points in the Boy’s Daoshu ‘A’ event much to the delight of the fervent home crowd, just ahead of Malaysia’s Jie Ann Wong.
The Malaysian claimed silver with a score of 9.183 points while Hong Kong’s Man Lok Ip, one of the front-runners for the title, settled for bronze with 9.156 points.
Walid is currently the most decorated performer for his nation having already scooped silver in the Boy’s Changquan ‘A’ event in his first appearance.
His triumph also represents the country’s third gold medal so far in the world junior event, which is under the auspices of International Wushu Federation.
Walid’s gold medal accomplishment follows the success of younger compatriots Meagan Marie Keasberry and Samuel Yong Jun Ong in their respective Taijiquan events.
The wushu star, a sibling of national hero Basma, has enjoyed a successful spell this year after delivering a gold medal for his country at the Malaysian Games (SUKMA XXI) in the Men’s Daoshu event.
Minister of Development Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Muhammad Juanda bin Haji Abdul Rashid as the Acting Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports presented the medals during the award ceremony.
Permanent Secretary (Culture) at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Pengiran Haji Mohd Hasnan bin Pengiran Haji Ali Hassan presented the mascot.
Meanwhile, the medal rush for the nation continues with Wan Xin Lim bagging silver in the Girl’s Nandao ‘B’ event.
The latest Brunei junior star announced her name in the global meet after amassing a total of 8.850 points, just 0.02 points shy of a coveted gold medal.
Indonesia’s Agni Agustine Dimonim’s performance was deemed worthy of the gold medal as she received a score of 8.870 points by the judges.
Iran’s Sana Chek took bronze with a score of 8.816 points.
Brunei’s Abel Wee Yuen Lim added his name to the country’s list of medallists after winning bronze in the Boy’s Nandao ‘A’ event with a haul of 9.126 points.
Indonesia’s Lawrence Dean Kurnia struck gold with a total of 9.163 points while Malaysia’s Guan Sheng Sing took silver with 9.136 points. – Fadhil Yunus
