By Dayangku Hidayatul
KUCHING, Aug 12: Sarawak is targeting another overall title at the 22nd Malaysia Games (Sukma XXII) in Selangor, with 60 athletes and officials from the judo, gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics and kabaddi squads departing for the Games aboard AirBorneo today.
Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the Sarawak contingent was aiming for nothing less than first place as it seeks to defend its Sukma crown.
“We do not look at second or third place. We only look at number one. I think there is nothing wrong with us feeling that way because we are the defending champions for both Sukma and Para Sukma.
“For both, there is no number two. We only look at number one. I believe the spirit of our athletes is burning strongly to bring home victory,” he said this after sending off the first and largest group of Sarawak athletes and officials for Sukma at Kuching International Airport (KIA) today.
Abdul Karim said the remaining Sarawak teams would depart over the next few days, in line with the start of their respective events.
He said extensive preparations had been made to ensure Sarawak’s contingent was fully ready for the Games.
On the haze situation, Abdul Karim said conditions in Sarawak were currently more concerning than in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, where the Air Pollutant Index (API) remained at less worrying levels.
He also reminded Sarawak’s athletes and officials to remain vigilant and maintain discipline throughout their stay in Selangor.
“They must uphold Sarawak’s reputation and avoid any incidents that could tarnish the image of the contingent,” he said.
Abdul Karim also congratulated Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu, on his appointment as Chef de Mission for the Sarawak Sukma contingent.
He said the overall Sarawak contingent comprised more than 900 athletes, officials and support personnel, bringing its total strength close to the 1,000 mark. — DayakDaily
