Ng Jing Xuan hopes that throwing disciplines, particularly the javelin, will gain wider recognition and appreciation among the public.
KUALA LUMPUR: SEA Games Thailand 2025 silver medallist Ng Jing Xuan hopes that throwing disciplines, particularly the javelin, will gain wider recognition and appreciation among the public.
The young athlete from Miri, Sarawak said that throwing events, which are part of field athletics, are still less well-known compared to track events such as sprints.
However, she voiced hope that the success achieved by the athletics squad in Thailand, particularly in the throwing disciplines, would help change the situation ahead of the 2027 SEA Games in Malaysia.
“Javelin receives far less attention compared to track events, but I hope that by winning medals, we can continue to draw greater focus to it.
“Often, when people ask which event I compete in, and I say track and field – javelin, they do not know what javelin is and only associate athletics with running. I hope that one day, the throwing events will become a source of pride for Malaysia,” the 21-year-old athlete told Bernama.
In addition to throwing events, which also include shot put, discus and hammer throw, field athletics also feature jumping disciplines such as long jump and high jump.
For track events, aside from sprints, significant focus is also placed on middle-distance and long-distance running, hurdles, and relay races.
At the recently concluded 2025 SEA Games, Jing Xuan turned in a memorable performance after winning the silver medal and breaking the national record with a throw of 52.17 metres (m) at Supachalasai Stadium, Bangkok.
Home star Jariya Wichaidit clinched the gold with a throw of 55.64m, while the bronze went to the Philippines’ Ana Bhianca Espenilla, who recorded 51.66m.
Jing Xuan, making her second appearance after finishing fourth at the 2023 edition in Cambodia, erased the national record of 49.34m previously held by Siti Nur Nadiah Othman.
Adding to the achievement, she also became the first Malaysian woman to register a throw beyond the 50m mark.
Meanwhile, Jing Xuan has set her sights on delivering a gold medal for Malaysia in the 2027 SEA Games.
“I believe I can deliver the gold in the 2027 edition,” said the Sunway University student.
The national athletics squad won a total of five gold medals in Thailand, with four coming from throwing events and one from a jumping event. The squad also secured five silver and six bronze medals.
