KUCHING: Sarawak aims to repeat its achievement in the 2016 Malaysian Games (Sukma) by bringing home gold in the squash event in this year’s Sukma in Kuala Lumpur.
According to a report by Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas), the gold mission is placed in the Women’s Double and Mixed Double categories.
Sarawak squash team head coach Allan Pete Soyza said the target is realistic given the preparation and current performance of Sarawak athletes in the previous national championships.
“We are targeting a gold medal in the Women’s Doubles category through the combination of Ma Si Yi and Nathalie Sim Shu Eng or Mixed Doubles through Nathan Kueh Tze Bing and Ma Si Yi.
“However, I also have high hopes for the pairing of Harith Danial Jefri and Nathalie Sim in contributing a medal.
“For this Sukma, we are sending four male and five female athletes, and the preparation so far is smooth sailing,” he told Ukas at the Sarawak Squash Centre on Thursday (Sept 8).
In terms of opportunity, Allan sees that his team has the potential to bring home the gold medal, provided they can adapt everything they have learned.
In addition, he hopes the team can adapt to the cold temperature at the Bukit Jalil National Squash Centre, which will be the main venue of the tournament.
Allan said Sarawak will face fierce competition from states such as Kedah, Sabah, Negeri Sembilan, Kelantan, Selangor, Perak, and Penang.
The complete list of the Sarawak Sukma squash squad is Harith Danial Jefri, Nathan Kueh Tze Bing, Hi Jia Rong, Wong Lee Hong, Claudia Yong Bi Er, Eugenia David, Iris Chieng Shiao Yu, Ma Si Yi, and Nathalie Sim Shu Eng.
Sarawak will participate in all events, namely Men’s/Women’s Individual, Men’s/Women’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles.
The squash event will commence from Sept 17 to 23 at Bukit Jalil National Squash Centre and Jalan Duta KL Squash Centre. — DayakDaily
