By Shikin Louis
LAWAS, April 27: The Sarawak contingent for 2024 Malaysia Para Games (Para Sukma) has been tasked with winning back the championship title after losing it to Sabah in the previous games.
Sarawak Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development (MYSED) Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah recalled his disappointment over the State contingent’s defeat in the 2022 Para Sukma after holding the title for 13 times since 1994.
“I do not know where our weakness was that led to us being defeated by our neighbour State – Sabah.
“I hope those who were entrusted to compete in the Para Sukma would succeed alongside the Sukma contingent as well. We must get back that championship. (We must) not lose anymore.
“We are the host this time. Although all Para Sukma events would be held in Kuching, I believe that with the training and everything that we have, we will be able to achieve that glory,” he said when officiating the Sukma XXI Sarawak 2024 Baton Relay opening ceremony broadcast live by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) today.
Abdul Karim who is also Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP), further expressed his confidence on the State’s Sukma contingent, adding that he had receive reports on the athletes’ training for the upcoming Games.
“Everything is going well. Our athletes who have been sent abroad for training, must achieve podium finish in Sukma. When we talk about podium finish, I’m not referring to second or third place but we only look (aim) at the first place,” he stressed. — DayakDaily
