Kuala lumpur: Malaysian high jumpers have a realistic chance of securing a podium finish at the 2027 SEA Games, but the country will need another five to eight years to regain dominance in the event, according to former national champion Lee Hup Wei. Hup Wei, who now coaches the national development squad, expressed optimism about the future of Malaysian high jumpers, particularly following recent performances at the Malaysia Games (SUKMA).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Hup Wei highlighted the promising development seen in both the men's and women's categories. He noted that athletes are making steady progress according to their respective age groups and development stages. 'If they continue like this, there should be (a chance) for a podium finish (at the 2027 SEA Games). We still have about a year left before the SEA Games,' he said.

Hup Wei further elaborated that while a podium finish is within reach, reclaiming a gold medal may take another five or six years, or perhaps even eight. He emphasized that the progress of young jumpers was encouraging, with their development moving gradually towards the targets set for them. 'In my view, so far, our progress has been very good and we are moving step by step towards the targets that have been set,' he added.

Despite these advancements, Hup Wei acknowledged that Malaysia still needs more time to rebuild its strength and return to the level of dominance it previously enjoyed at the biennial Games. Malaysia last won the men's high jump gold medal through Hup Wei at the 2019 SEA Games in the Philippines.