KUALA LUMPUR: Wushu exponent Tan Cheong Min's main focus for this year will be the Asian Championships in Macau on Sep 9-16.
Despite being a former world champion and winning multiple Sea Games gold medals, Cheong Min has never competed in the Asian meet before.
"This year, there are two main events - the Asian Championships and the Taolu World Cup in Japan (Oct 24-28)," said Cheong Min recently.
"I am not sure yet if I will be selected (by national body) for the tournament but if I go, this will be my first appearance at the Asian Championships.
"It is a new year and a new phase. I will do my best to train hard to ensure that I am well prepared.
"Unfortunately, I was not able to qualify for the Taolu World Cup this year. Only the top-eight (in the discipline) from last year's World Championships qualify."
Cheong Min, 25, had a strong season last year and did well to win two gold medals (nanquan, nadao-nangun) at the Hanoi Sea Games last year (May) and claimed a silver (nanquan-nandao) at the Hangzhou Asian Games (Sep).
Unfortunately, she suffered flu and was unable to perform to her best at the Fort Worth World Championships (Nov) but was still able to walk away with a bronze (nangun).
Cheong Min, who recently lost her grandfather, added that Chinese New Year will be celebrated moderately by her family this year.
"I have been busy with training and my studies, most of the time I am in Kuala Lumpur," said Cheong Min, who is from Cheng, Melaka.
"Chinese New Year is an opportunity for me to gather with other family members after a year apart.
"My grandfather just passed away so celebrations will be more moderate. We might go for a day trip to Ipoh together."