Jiu-Jitsu exponent Cassandra J. Poyong is confident of launching a strong bid for gold medal in the Hanoi Sea Games on May 12-23.
Cassandra had won silver in the women's under-55kg at the 2019 Manila Sea Games when the sport made its debut in the biennial competition.
The Sabahan, who will be competing in the under-62kg this time, said: "I'm happy we get to go to the Sea Games, the whole Covid-19 thing has been horrible for the past two years."
"It's a really good opportunity for me to make a name for myself and also my country proud," added Cassandra, 33, who has been appointed as team captain for the jiu-jitsu squad.
"It was great when I won silver in 2019. At the time I didn't think I would go that far.
"This time I'm quite prepared, I have been working on specific things. I think I can win gold this time."
Besides jiu-jitsu, Cassandra said she is keen to try out other sports such as bouldering and rugby. She works as a trainer at Hikari MMA in Bangsar and also has her own skincare brand, Organically Moi.
All the six Sea Games jiu-jitsu exponents will compete under Category B, which means they are self-funded but will be reimbursed if they win a medal.
The men's squad comprise Adam Akasyah (under-69kg), Thew Chin Hong (under-62kg) and Fouzein Pozi (NoGi under-56kg) while the women's team consist of Bless Yeap (under-48kg), Ariel Thomas (NoGi under-45kg) and Cassandra (under-62kg).