SIBU: Sarawak is eyeing the top spot at the 21st Malaysia Games (SUKMA) this year, with hopes riding high on the silat competition, which offers 28 gold medals and could end state’s 30-year wait for the overall championship.
Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC) chief executive officer (CEO) Awang Putrayusrie Awang Redzuan noted the importance of the silat event, which spans both male and female categories.
“At SUKMA 2016, our silat squad won six gold medals, a commendable achievement. But it wasn’t enough for the top position.
“This year, we’re aiming higher. Our goal is to claim at least half of the gold medals, potentially 14 or 16, to help secure the overall champion title,” he said during the opening of the 3rd Sarawak Games (SUKSAR) silat event at the MUC Hall today (Jan 15).
Awang emphasised the significance of SUKSAR as a platform for selecting potential SUKMA representatives.
“This year is important for us, especially after a three-decade hiatus from championship glory,” he added.
Rumpun Silat Sarawak (RSS) deputy president Datuk Mohamad Yusnar Matalie echoed the sentiment, acknowledging the squad’s rigorous preparation.
“We’ve been active in championships over the past year to evaluate and improve our athletes’ performance. These efforts are crucial as we prepare for the SUKMA training camp starting in early February,” he said.
The SUKSAR silat event, running from January 15 to 18, will feature 105 athletes from the Northern, Western, Central, and Southern Zones.
