By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Oct 18: Sarawak Aquatics (ASWK) has distributed RM60,900 in incentives to Sarawak’s aquatics athletes and coaches who won medals at the Malaysia Games (Sukma) 2026, in recognition of their achievements and commitment to bringing glory to the State.
Its president, Tan Kun Gee, said the incentives were expected to motivate athletes and coaches to continue improving their performance and pursue greater success at future competitions, particularly Sukma 2028.
“Congratulations to all award recipients who have brought honour to Sarawak. We hope these incentives will encourage you to continue striving for excellence and achieve greater success in the future,” he said at the Sukma Appreciation Dinner and Sarawak Aquatics Anniversary Awards Ceremony here on Saturday (Oct 17), as reported by the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas).
Tan said every achievement by the athletes was the result of continuous training, coaches’ dedication, and the support of parents and officials, who played important roles in developing aquatics sports in the State.
At the 22nd Selangor Sukma 2026, Sarawak’s aquatics contingent delivered an encouraging performance, with diving contributing eight gold, three silver and three bronze medals.
The men’s and women’s water polo teams also met their respective targets, with both winning gold medals, while swimming contributed one gold, two silver, and four bronze medals.
He said that although the original gold medal target for swimming was not achieved, the results should serve as a basis for evaluating weaknesses and strengthening preparations for future competitions.
“We celebrate our victories, learn from our shortcomings and return stronger in the future,” he added.
In another development, Tan announced that the name change from the Sarawak Amateur Swimming Association (ASAS) to Sarawak Aquatics (ASWK) had been approved, marking a new phase in efforts to strengthen the association’s identity and develop aquatics sports in Sarawak.
He said the rebranding reflected the association’s continued commitment to expanding youth talent development, raising coaching standards and providing athletes with more opportunities to compete at state, national and international levels.
Also present at the event was Sarawak Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu. — DayakDaily
