Karatekas from the North show class at Suksar

LUBOK ANTU (Feb 9): Northern Zone, which comprised the divisions of Miri, Bintulu and Limbang, continues to build on its reputation as a powerhouse of karate in the state with a dominant showing at the recently concluded Sukan Sarawak (Suksar) IV 2026.

According to the zonal karate manager for Suksar IV, Ngui Siou Fong, their success was the result of early preparation, a strong athlete base and a well-structured centralised training programme.

“We already started training since last year. After selection on Jan 1, we went into centralised training until Feb 1,” he said when contacted by The Borneo Post on Monday.

The zone topped the medal tally in the sport after collecting nine gold and three silver medals from 13 contested categories, surpassing their tally in previous editions of Suksar. It collected seven gold medals each at Suksar I and Suksar III.

“It is our best result so far,” Ngui stressed referring to this year’s nine-gold haul.

He revealed that the strength of karate in northern Sarawak lies largely in Miri, which remains the main supplier of athletes for the Sarawak karate squad.

“For Sarawak’s Sukma team, the Northern Zone is the main supplier of karate athletes because most of the karate associations, clubs and academies are based in Miri,” he said.

Northern Zone sent a full team to Suksar IV 2026 with all athletes coming from Miri and representing three different karate associations. The team was supported by two coaches, one focusing on kata and the other on kumite.

The preparation process involved combining talented karatekas from dojos across Miri, Bintulu and Limbang, followed by a selection process and almost daily centralised training leading up to the games.

“I think that’s why we achieved this result. It’s not just because we have a bigger base of athletes but also because of the structured preparation,” he pointed out.

Ngui added that preparations are already continuing beyond Suksar with several athletes from Miri included in the Sukma long and short list.

“My Sarawak Shitoryu karate team will be going to Brunei this coming week for another competition and the Sukma long list will be formed soon. Training will carry on for Sukma in August,” he said.