By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, May 28: Sarawak’s Para-Sukma athletes have set an ambitious target of winning 83 gold medals and reclaiming the overall champion title at the 21st edition of the Sukma Games, scheduled to be held from Sept 20 to 28.
Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, revealed that the Sarawak government, along with the coaches and para-athletes, are highly committed to regaining the championship they lost to Sabah in the 2022 games.
Fatimah expressed hope that hosting the games in Sarawak would provide a home-ground advantage, enhancing their chances of success.
The Minister highlighted that medal winners would receive incentives, although the specific amounts remain undisclosed for now. She emphasized the importance of the upcoming games, describing them as a “do-or-die mission” for the Sarawak team.
“We have the fighting force in our para-athletes, who we hope are all physically and mentally ready for the games. With the spirit of ‘Agiu Idup Agi Ngalaban (For as long as we live, we fight)’ instilled in our athletes, Sarawak is going for a podium finish and gold,” she told reporters after a press conference with Sarawak Sports Council (SCC) personnel, coaches, and athletes at the Youth and Sports Complex today.
Fatimah underscored the seriousness of the Sarawak government in their quest to become overall champions.
To this end, para-athletes have been sent for training stints overseas in countries such as Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia, South Africa, and China to gain additional exposure.
“Besides these additional overseas stints, these athletes have been actively conducting training sessions since January this year. From January to June, we have a decentralised training programme, and from July to September, it will be centralised training,” she explained.
The central training sessions will take place at the competition site in Kuching, providing athletes with the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the venue.
Fatimah also mentioned that the Sukma Games would serve as a platform to scout for future athletes to replace those who are over the age limit or have achieved global recognition in their sports and can no longer compete in the games.
She further announced new training allowances for athletes, effective May 2024. Backup ‘A’ athletes will receive RM1,200 per month, backup ‘B’ athletes RM1,000, backup ‘C’ athletes RM800, new athletes RM600, while elite athletes will continue to receive RM1,500 per month.
“I would like to advise all athletes and officials to always take care of their health and safety and practice a healthy lifestyle throughout the preparation period for this Para Sukma Games. It is 20 per cent luck and 80 per cent hard work,” Fatimah said. — DayakDaily
