KUANTAN: National gymnast Ng Shu Wai has gone AWOL again, leaving chief coach Pavel Todorov perplexed.
Shu Wai was dropped from the men’s artistic gymnastics squad almost two years ago for missing training.
He was given a reprieve by the National Sports Council (NSC) in April to allow him to pursue his dream of winning honours for the country at next year’s Common-wealth Games and Asian Games.
Even Todorov was impressed with Shu Wai’s renewed commitment since rejoining training with the national team.
In fact, Shu Wai trained regularly under Todorov although he had yet to receive an official letter from the NSC.
Then, suddenly, he stopped attending training.
“Everything seemed fine in the beginning. He was attending training regularly. Then he stopped coming for training and he has not given any reasons for it,” said Todorov.
“Shu Wai’s brother (Shu Lian) is my assistant and I have asked him why. All his brother could say was that Shu Wai is waiting for an official letter.
“But he should not have stopped training. I have highlighted this matter to the MGF (Malaysian Gymnastics Federation) and the NSC. I hope it will be resolved and Shu Wai will resume training.”
Todorov, who took up the chief coach post in February, also voiced his frustration at several other issues, including not having his gymnasts sent out for international competitions.
He was also peeved that plans to move the gymnasts’ training centre from Cheras to Bukit Jalil was still pending.
“The boys have not been involved in any competition so far this year. It is important for them to compete. I am also waiting for the boys to train at a safer place,” said Todorov.
The only good piece of news for Todorov is the progress shown by the younger gymnasts under his care.
The coach will get to see how much the back-up gymnasts have progressed when they strut their stuff in their first tournament this year – the National Schools (MSSM) meet in Kuantan from June 1-7.
The back-up gymnasts coached by Todorov are Chan Chong Yuan, Danniel Iskandar, Sao Chao Wei, Mohd Hamzarudin Nordin and Mohd Syazwan Sahimi.
“The MSSM will also give me an opportunity to watch out for new talents at the meet,” said Todorov.
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