RM1.834 mln incentives award to Sarawak Sukma athletes; swim star Kelly Teo tops with RM96,000 reward

Teo (fourth right) receives RM96,000 incentive award from Abang Johari (fourth left) at the ‘Incentive Presentation Ceremony for Sarawak Contingent Sukma XXI Sarawak 2024’ held at hotel in Kuching on Sept 14, 2024.

By Ashley Sim

KUCHING, Sept 15: A total of RM1.834 million in incentives was awarded to Sarawak athletes who secured medals at the recent Malaysia Games (Sukma) XXI Sarawak 2024, with swimming star Kelly Teo Yao emerged as the highest recipient, earing RM96,000 for winning six gold, one silver, and two bronze medals.

Apart from Teo, the other top athletes receiving the highest incentive awards include shot putter Jonah Chang Rigan, who received RM47,000 for winning three gold medals and setting a national record in athletics; Stephanie Ngu Chai Ern, who earned RM45,000 for her three gold medals in wushu; bowler Nur Hazirah Ramli, awarded RM36,000 for four golds and one bronze in tenpin bowling; and diver Dayang Nursharzyra Awang Nasarudin, who secured RM35,000 for three golds and one silver in aquatic diving.

Minister for Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development (MYSED), Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, celebrated Sarawak athletes’ achievements as a triumph for both the region and its people.

He credited the success to teamwork, dedication, and the unwavering support from Sarawakians.

Expressing his pride and gratitude for the contingent’s outstanding performance, he emphasised the significant impact Sarawak’s achievements have had on the nation’s sporting landscape.

“The athletes have made Sarawak proud. Their hard work and dedication have brought glory to Sarawak, and it is moments like these that remind us of the importance of investing in our youth and sports development,” he said during his speech at the ‘Incentive Presentation Ceremony for Sarawak Contingent Sukma XXI Sarawak 2024’, which took place last night (Sept 14) at a local hotel here.

Jonah (fourth right) receiving the mock cheque from Abang Johari during the ‘Incentive Presentation Ceremony for Sarawak Contingent Sukma XXI Sarawak 2024’ at a hotel in Kuching on Sept 14, 2024. Photo credit: JaPEN Sarawak

Abdul Karim, who is also Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts (MTCP), took a moment to thank Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for his steadfast support of the region’s sports and youth development.

“Without the Premier’s backing, none of this would have been possible. His commitment to nurturing sports in Sarawak has been unwavering, and the results speak for themselves,” he said.

Reflecting on the broader impact of Sarawak’s success at Sukma, Abdul Karim revealed that the games had garnered attention from neighbouring countries, with many comparing Sarawak’s hosting of the games to international events.

“Even our friends in Indonesia have been following the games closely, praising the level of organisation and competition. It’s a testament to how far we’ve come,” he pointed out.

Abang Johari (third right) and Abdul Karim (third left) lift up the Sukma championship trophy at the ‘Incentive Presentation Ceremony for Sarawak Contingent Sukma XXI Sarawak 2024’ held at a hotel in Kuching on Sept 14, 2024. Photo credit: Ukas

He encouraged continued efforts to support local athletes, with hopes of further strengthening Sarawak’s position in both national and international arenas.

“We may not be hosting the next Sukma, but the spirit of competition lives on. Our athletes are ready to face new challenges, and with the support of the people, we can achieve even greater things,” he added. — DayakDaily