Wushu youngsters urged to focus

Wushu hauled in 18 medals when Singapore hosted SEA Games in 1993, with seven pugilists winning gold.

It's a feat that team manager Chan Keng Ngee knows will be difficult to replicate when the Games return to Singapore next year, although he insists the team will be ready.

"I hope we're not that far off, because the last thing we want to do is disappoint the home spectators," he said.

"We will definitely do our best to train the athletes well, and I'm sure they will give it their all."

At last December's Myanmar Games, wushu delivered one gold, two silver and two bronze medals.

Valerie Wee (far left) and Vera Tan won the women's wushu duilian event.

Chan knows that there will be a lot of pressure on his young athletes to deliver the goods, but the message to them has been to focus, and not worry about expectations.

"The athletes are very proud to be representing their country.

"I can tell they're even more excited to be performing in front of their own friends and family."