KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian National Silat Federation (Pesaka) will be using the World Pencak Silat Championships in Abu Dhabi (Dec 15-23) to gauge their athletes' performances ahead of the new season.
Pesaka secretary-general Bibi Aishah Golbal Shah said a number of exponents could find themselves promoted to the Podium Programme if they can achieve certain targets at the world meet.
Among them includes Amirul Hakim Jaafar (men's weight class A) and Ummi Mashitah Hassan (women's weight class C).
"We will be evaluating all our exponents' performances in Abu Dhabi. We could drop a number of exponents and could also promote a number of athletes to the Podium Programme based on their performances there," said Bibi today (Dec 3).
"Some of the exponents may be past their best and it would be good if we can bring in some new faces to strengthen the squad, especially as we have the Thailand Sea Games coming up next year.
"We have discussed this with the National Sports Council (NSC) and they have agreed to bring Amirul and Ummi into the Podium Programme if they are able to achieve the key performance indicator (KPI) set for them.
"To achieve that (KPI) they have to at least win a bronze medal in Abu Dhabi. I am confident they will be able to achieve it.
"Amirul would be a good addition as we currently do not have any class A athlete under the Podium Programme."
Bibi disclosed that a total of 24 national athletes will be sent to compete at the World Championships.
Former Sea Games gold medallist Robial Sobri, however, will not be making the trip to Abu Dhabi as he is currently out with a knee injury.
Bibi was speaking after Pesaka's working committee meeting with NSC in Bukit Jalil today.