KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 30 —Seeking fortune from the year of the horse in conjunction with Chinese New Year tomorrow, athletes of Chinese descent will be imbued with the spirit of the strong and robust animal, as the best motivation to face several major sporting events this year.

National Wushu athlete, Diana Bong Siong Lin hoped the year of the horse could boost her performance to face the Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea scheduled for Sept 19.

“If possible, I don’t want to repeat the mistake when performing at the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou, China which deprived me of a medal. I dare not set a high target but I will give my best,” she told Bernama, here, today.

Asked on the Chinese New Year celebration, this Kuching, Sarawak-born 28-year-old athlete chose to celebrate the event moderately with her family.

“I think I will not buy new clothes this year as last year’s clothes are still good. What is more important is to be with my family,” she said.

The bronze medallist at the 2006 Asian Games in Doha, said she would continue her training session at the first level after resting for muscular recovery, upon her return from the Chinese New Year holiday.

“It is routine for wushu athletes or other sports to rest for the recovery process for a short period after taking part in a major championship.

“I must start training at the first level to prepare for the championship,” said Diana who won two gold medals via the women’s Nanquan and Nandao events.

Sharing the same aspiration was national shot putt athlete, Jackie Wong Siew Cheer who hoped the year of the horse could boost his spirit to qualify for the Commonwealth Games on July 23.

The winner of a bronze medal at the SEA Games in Myanmar in December, said the horse which was ‘Ma’ in Mandarin also meant fast, could be a good amulet for him to learn a new throwing technique to improve his performance.

“I have learned several new throwing techniques and I hope I can master them before taking part in the Hong Kong Open Athletic Championship or the Taiwan Open in the middle of the year,” said Jackie who returned to his village in Sarikei, Sarawak to celebrate the Chinese New Year celebration. — Bernama