KUALA LUMPUR: National paddler Alice Chang has a lofty dream of competing at the Paris Olympics from July 26 to Aug 11.
The last time Malaysia had a representative at the Olympic Games was when women paddlers, Lau Wai Cheng and Leong Mee Wan, competed in the 1998 edition in Seoul.
Six Malaysian athletes still have a chance to get into the Olympic arena if they can get a spot in Paris 2024 through an Asian-level qualifying tournament.
The six are — women paddlers Alice, Ho Ying and Karen Lyne, while the men, Choong Javen, Leong Chee Feng and Wong Qi Shen will be competing in the Asian Qualification Tournament (singles) which is scheduled to be held in May in a yet to be announced city.
Alice said that she is also looking for a good performance at the World Team Championships which will be held in Busan, South Korea from Feb 16-25.
"My main goal for 2024 is to participate in the Olympics. I also aim to perform well in the World Team Championships, defeat higher-ranked opponents to showcase Malaysia's talent on the global stage," said Alice.
"I would say there's a 50 per cent chance to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics. I'm focused on doing my best, leaving the rest to fate. Anything is possible, and I remain optimistic about the opportunity to compete in Paris."
The paddlers have shown vast improvement, thanks to the Table Tennis Association of Malaysia (TTAM) and coach Beh Lee Wei's guidance.
The national squad, comprising Alice, Karen Lyne Dict, Ho Ying and Tee Ai Xin, reached the women's team final at the 2023 Cambodia Sea Games after a 30 year-lapse but had to settle for the silver medal, losing to defending champions Thailand.
At the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games, the quartet delivered a silver medal in the women's team event. And now the paddlers are looking to continue their upward trajectory by qualifying for the Paris Olympics.
Commenting on her performance in 2023, Alice said she's satisfied although it was a roller coaster journey.
"Reflecting on my performance in 2023, there were both highs and lows. Despite some setbacks, I am satisfied overall.
"Achieving success in the WTT Feeder Antalya where I entered the semi-final, and defeating Zeng Jian in the 2023 Sea Games were a breakthrough for me.
"Although I lost very closely against two world-class players from Thailand in deciding games, it motivates me to work harder for future victories."
