PENANG veteran rower Khoo Boo Hock did the country proud when he became the first Malaysian to take part in the World Rowing Indoor Championships virtual event today although he finished eighth out of 10 finalists.
Khoo, 61, qualified for the final by virtue of being the Asia’s best rower in the Men’s Masters 60-64 age category two weeks ago in the event hosted by the Hong Kong Rowing Association.
In the online World Championships, he gave his best in the 2,000m race at the Penang State Sports Council (PSSC) to clock 7:52.4, 6.2 seconds off his personal best of 7:46.2. He used the Concept 2 brand static rowing ergometer, just like the other competitors.
The event was won by Giorgio Vallebouna of Chile in 6:35.9, followed by Italy’s Massimo Galletti (6:38.0) and Nick Cowan of Britain (6:45.9).
Khoo finished in eighth spot, ahead of Richard Cheeseman of Britain (8:21.1) and Martin Luirink of Netherlands, who failed to start the race because of bad internet connection.
“I’m not really satisfied with my performance. This is my first time rowing here, so I need to get used to the environment. This is not an excuse. I will try my best to qualify again,” Khoo said after his performance.
State Youth and Sports Committee chairman Soon Lip Chee, who was among a group of about a dozen supporters at PSSC to give Khoo the morale support, said he was nonetheless proud of Khoo for achieving the feat.
“This is the first time the World Championships is held virtually and I want to congratulate Khoo Boo Hock for being the first Malaysian from Penang to qualify for the event.
“He has been preparing hard for the event for the last three months, with no time to rest even during the Chinese New Year.
“At 61, he has proven himself to stay fit and healthy. Well done! Like they say, ‘Old soldiers never die’,” said Soon in his speech.
Soon said although rowing is not a famous sport in Malaysia, it reflects its success under the Penang’s ‘Sports For All’ programme.
“We’ll continue to promote all sports, from the famous sports to the not famous sports or vice versa. We hope with the spirit shown by Mr Khoo and the work done by the Penang Rowing Association (PRA), more athletes from other sports will also strive for success,” he said.
PSSC director Harry Chai Heng Hua, who was also present to give his encouragement, extended his appreciation to PRA for planning, supervising and executing the event tonight.
“We’re very grateful today to be able to celebrate and witness together the first ever Malaysian and our very own Penangite Mr Khoo Boo Hock on his feed in the 2021 World Rowing Indoor Championships Grand Finals tonight.
“Despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, and movement control order, the Penang Rowing Association, a new umbrella association in Penang and established in 2020, managed to send three athletes to join the Asian Continental Qualifier round held on 24 January, 2021. It was hosted by the Hong Kong Rowing Association.
“Uncle Khoo, who was previously active in the dragon boat races, has successfully proven himself to be the fastest man in Asia in his age group achieving an impressive result of 7 minutes 46.2 seconds for the 2km rowing, thus becoming the historic first Malaysian ever to qualify for the finals round,” said Chai.
Also present to inspire Khoo were PSSC sports development officer Chew Kok Rui, PRA president Sim Ghee Beng, PRA secretary Khoo Kah Beng, PRA treasurer Jack Cheong and PRA committee member Penny Tan.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Alissala Thian