By Marlynda Meraw
KUCHING, Sept 28: Although the Sarawak Para Sukma contingent was only one gold medal short of their 83-gold target, Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Development (KPWK), Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, assured athletes that their outstanding performance had contributed to Sarawak being crowned the overall champion of Para Sukma XXI Sarawak 2024.
Despite falling slightly short of their initial goal, Sarawak emerged far ahead of the competition, finishing 20 gold medals ahead of the runner-up, the Sabah contingent, and claiming a resounding victory.
“Not only did some sports meet their gold medal targets, but a few even exceeded expectations,” Fatimah said while citing the para-athletics team performance which secured 33 golds—three more than their set target of 30.
The para-swimming team also delivered an impressive performance, earning 17 gold medals, surpassing their 15-gold target by two.
“There are some sports where a gold medal was targeted but achieved a bronze medal instead. This is normal.
“There are instances where the para-athletes can reach the gold target, while others will miss it. Regardless, this is still an excellent achievement,” she added when approached by reporters after the prize-giving ceremony for the best photo of the day and the best article of the day for Para Sukma 2024.
She also said that according to the special needs (OKU) sports development administration officer Matthew Chin, the training and preparation for the Para Sukma 2026 edition will commence tomorrow (Sept 29).
“That’s why we say ‘agi idup, agi ngelaban’ (as long as you live, you fight), because some of our para-athletes are continuing their battles in the future Para Sukma,” she said. —DayakDaily
