08. November 2005  
Malaysia  
Artistic Gymnastics

Malaysia become host of a FIG Gymnastics Gala

MALAYSIA has been picked to host the International Gymnastics Federation's (FIG) Gymnastics Gala as part of its 125th anniversary celebrations next year.
Ten venues worldwide had been selected by the FIG with Malaysia being one of two hosts from Asia. The other is Japan.

Malaysian Gymnastics Federation (MGF) honorary secretary, N. Shanmugarajah said, Malaysia was selected based on its steady development of the sport over the years....
Gymnastics Gala to the 125th F.I.G.'s 125 Anniversary...
'This is a first time offer from the FIG for such a celebration. Since development of gymnastics in Malaysia has been very good over the last 20 years, based on this, the FIG selected Malaysia as one of the 10 countries to host this big event,' said Shanmugarajah.

The non-competitive event, scheduled for May 21, 2006, will see the best gymnasts from the seven respective disciplines perform for two hours.
The disciplines are artistic (men and women), rhythmic gymnastics, sports acrobatics, aerobic gymnastics, trampoline and general gymnastics. 'For example, artistic gymnast Ng Shu Wai will probably perform the rings as he is the country's best in that particular exercise. Similarly, the best gymnasts from other disciplines will also perform,' added Shanmugarajah.
As Malaysia has yet to introduce the trampoline and acrobatic gymnastics to the local scene, the top gymnasts for these two disciplines will be invited from other South East Asian countries.
Malaysia has only recently introduced aerobic gymnastics.

The event will also be a good opportunity for all training centres established under the eight core sports programmes to try an outdo each other for a chance to perform in the event, especially in general gymnastics, the basics of all disciplines.
'General gymnastics is taught in all the centres, and the best of each district may get a chance to perform at the gala,' Shanmugarajah said.
SOURCE: New Straits Time, Malaysia; by Ranjini Thangaraju