THE Malaysian Weightlifting Federation (MWF) have submitted nine names with one awaiting the Commonwealth Games Federation’s (CGF) approval for the Gold Coast edition in April.
Former Commonwealth Games gold medallist Hidayat Hamidon’s son Erry will likely replace Hafifi Mansor, who is serving a provisional suspension for a doping offence.
MWF acting secretary Abu Hanapiah Ismail said it will be a tall order for Erry to emulate Hafifi’s gold medal feat in the men’s 69kg event from the 2014 Glasgow edition in Gold Coast.
“It is difficult but there is a chance for a medal. Erry, however, needs to be focused in training,” said Abu Hanapiah.
The national weightlifters are good for medals at the Commonwealth Games but may face huge challengers to get onto the podium in the Indonesia Asian Games.
“It is difficult to win a medal in the Asian Games as China, South Korea, Iran and India are strong. They are Olympic class weightlifters,” Abu Hanapiah added.
The nine listed for both multi-sports games are Azroy Hazal Wafie Izhar Ahmad (56kg), Aznil Bidin (62kg), Abdul Mubin Rahim (77kg), Mohd Fazrul Azrie Mohdad (85kg), Muhd Norfarhan Ideris (105+kg), Sharifah Inani Najwa Syed Anuar (53kg), Marlyne Marceeta Marcus (58kg), Japrielle Teo (75kg) and Siti Aisyah Mohd Rosli (90kg).