KUCHING, Aug 30: Following the feat of Jong Yee Khie, a Kuching hairdresser, in clinching silver at Tokyo Paralympics 2020, there is potential that Sarawak can be a sports powerhouse.
This according to Assistant Sports and Youth Minister Datuk Snowdan Lawan may be attainable with proper coaching, training and adequate facilities.
“We are on the right track,” said Snowdan who commented on the achievement of Jong Yee Khie who won a silver medal in the 107 kg category by lifting 237 kg in the powerlifting event held at the Tokyo International Forum today.
The gold medal was won by Mongolian athlete Sodnompiljee Enkhbayar who managed to lift 245kg, which is a new Paralympics record in the category.
“This is truly a happy and good news, not only for the Malaysian national contingent but Sarawak in particular.
“More importantly this shows our State is not short of potential athletes of world class standard if right from the onset of selection, training, coaching, mentoring, nutrition, therapy and motivation are adequately provided,” said Snowdan in a statement today.
The Balai Ringin assemblyman revealed that Sarawak is now focusing on this sports science agenda as a means to support Sarawakian athletes’ capability to succeed in international sports arena.
“Our sincere congratulations to Yee Khie. We are proud of you and salute your achievement,” said Snowdan.— DayakDaily
