Sarawak eyes 15 gold medals in swimming event for Para Sukma XXI

Fatimah (middle row, fifth left) poses for a group photo with officials, coaches, and swimmers at the Pandalela Rinong Aquatic Centre in Petra Jaya, Kuching on Sept 5, 2024. Photo credit: Ukas

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Sept 5: The Sarawak swimming team hopes to win 15 gold medals out of 60 events at the 21st Para Malaysia Games (Para Sukma XXI) Sarawak 2024, which will be held from Sept 22 to Sept 28.

The Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) reported that the team completed their first training session at the official competition venue, Pandalela Rinong Aquatic Centre, after months of preparation.

Previous training sessions were held at the Department of Youth and Sports.

Sarawak Minister for Women, Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development (KPWK), Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, shared that the team consists of 25 athletes competing in three categories: visually impaired, intellectually impaired, and physically disabled.

“There are five athletes in the visually impaired category, 13 in the physically impaired category, and seven in the intellectual category.

“In swimming, there are 60 events in total, and we are competing in 51 events as part of our strategy to maximise participation. Our goal is to bring home 15 gold medals,” she was quoted as saying.

Fatimah made these remarks to reporters today while visiting the Pandalela Rinong Aquatic Centre in Petra Jaya here to see the athletes training.

She also stated that each athlete will compete in at least four individual events and two team events, giving them numerous chances to succeed.

The swimming team is led by head coach Sarini @ Syarbini Kedri, with coaches Imran Nawawi, Mandu Nyungkan, and Mohamad Zamry Sapiee, assistant coaches Mohammad Ali Seman and Donny Sa, and team manager Sabarriah Amit.

A total of 23 swimming athletes trained here today, with another two in Kuala Lumpur.

The Sarawak swimming team achieved remarkable success at Para Sukma 2022, securing an impressive six gold medals and setting three new swimming records.

With 80 per cent of their training completed, Sarawak’s swimming team is confident in surpassing past achievements and bringing home even more medals for the State. — DayakDaily