After Sukma XXI, Sarawak sailing squad sets sights on gaining international exposure for young sailors

MIRI (Aug 25) Sarawak’s sailing squad, which has just concluded their participation in the 21st Malaysia Games (Sukma) XXI, is now setting its sights on gaining international exposure for its young sailors.

Head coach Jamil Ali said that based on the sailors’ outstanding performances in this Sukma, he believes they can achieve more success in future tournaments, provided they have more exposure outside the country.

“Our sailors actually did very well, as they delivered more than what was targeted. We initially aimed for two silver and three bronze medals, but we ended with two gold medals, two silver, and two bronze.

“They created history for Sarawak as we had never won gold medals in sailing events at Sukma,” he told The Borneo Post.

As for future planning for the sailing squad, he said they are looking to have training sessions for the sailors in Thailand.

“This is part of our future plan for our sailors in preparation for the next Sukma,” he said.

He added that he will also be scouting for new and young sailors to be groomed into becoming athletes in the sport.

“Some of our athletes competing in this Sukma will no longer be eligible to take part in the next Sukma due to the age limit. Therefore, it is crucial that we start looking at new young talent to be trained,” he said.