Earlier date will not hamper Sarawak athletes competing in Sukma games

Abdul Karim (left) presenting the trophy to Spartan Race Sarawak 2022 5km Sprint (20 obstacles) champion, Callum Meehan from New Zealand.

By Nancy Nais

KUCHING, June 11: Sarawak Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah is confident with the preparations made by the state contingent for the coming 20th Malaysia Games (Sukma) in Kuala Lumpur.

Although the date for Sukma 2022 has been carried forward to two weeks earlier (Sept 16), Abdul Karim said he was sure that the State’s athletes are prepared.

“The date is now set to kick off on Sept 16. This is a very significant date. As you all know Sept 16 is Malaysia Day which I feel it is very appropriate to hold Sukma.

“It will not hamper or handicap our preparations because I know our atheletes have been preparing since two years ago and therefore I am confident that the mission can be achieved. They have trained throughout the year and participated in national and international tournaments for exposure,” he told reporters at the Spartan Race Sarawak launching ceremony today.

Abdul Karim added that some of Sarawak’s athletes have been training in Kuala Lumpur for over a year and therefore he believe the State will be able to produce good results.

Sarawak will send a contingent of 325 athletes to Sukma 2022.

They will participate in all 21 sports at the games, of which 16 are compulsory and five optional. — DayakDaily