Confident Southern Zone targets Sarawak Games triumph

SERIAN: The Southern Zone contingent, comprising athletes from Kuching, Kota Samarahan and Serian, is fully prepared to compete in the upcoming Sarawak Games (SUKSAR) III scheduled to be held in Sibu from Jan 15 to 18.

With a mission to secure the championship title and replicate their success from SUKSAR II in Miri in 2019, Caroline Cleophas Joseph, the head of the contingent, noted the significant challenge of defending their title.

She expressed confidence in the comprehensive preparations undertaken by the athletes and the strength of the contingent, which boasts 293 top-notch athletes.

These two factors, she believes, are crucial benchmarks for the defending champions in accomplishing their mission.

“We have high hopes of clinching the champion title at SUKSAR III in Sibu. Our athletes are well-prepared and ready to face the challenges of this prestigious event,” said Caroline during a press conference after the final preparation briefing at the Serian Division Resident’s Office on Tuesday (Jan 9).

Other competing zones include the Western Zone (Sri Aman, Betong, Sarikei), the Central Zone (Sibu, Mukah, Kapit), and the Northern Zone (Bintulu, Miri, Limbang).

The 13 competitive sports events featured in the tournament include weightlifting, cycling, basketball, volleyball, futsal, hockey, judo, karate, pencak silat, sepak takraw, boxing, taekwondo and wushu.

SUKSAR III aims to identify talented athletes for Malaysia Games (Sukma) backup squads and support less active associations in organising competitions.

Additionally, the games serve as a platform to expose Sukma backup athletes and introduce key sports to each zone.

“The organization of SUKSAR III also serves as an indirect training ground for technical officers for selected sports events,” Caroline added.