Sarawak Muay Thai squad trains in Thailand for SUKMA XXI 2024

BANGKOK: The Sarawak Muay Thai squad is ramping up its preparations for the Malaysia Games (SUKMA) XXI Sarawak 2024, set to begin next August, by engaging in exposure training in Thailand.

Since Friday (Jul 19), the athletes have been based in Koh Samui, Thailand, for a 14-day training session, which includes participation in an international competition.

Sarawak Muaythai Association (PMNS) President Jumaat Ibrahim said this is the second training stint in Thailand for the Sarawak athletes, following a similar session last June.

“They will undergo 14 days of training, during which some athletes will compete in the Muay Thai Super Fight at Koh Samui Stadium,” he said when met by reportera yesterday (July 20).

Following their time in Thailand, the team will return to Kota Bharu (Kelantan) for fitness training before heading back to Kuching on August 10 and then to Bintulu on August 11.

Jumaat visited the training camp in Koh Samui to assess the team’s preparations. Besides training in Koh Samui, the athletes also completed 14 days of Muay Boran training in Bangkok.

Jumaat expressed satisfaction with the athletes’ progress but emphasised the importance of applying their newfound skills in competition.

“Thailand is our final training destination before SUKMA XXI. We want the athletes to be fully prepared for the ring,” he said.

He extended gratitude to the Koh Samui Muay Thai authorities, the Sarawak Sports Corporation, and the Sarawak State Sports Council for their support.

“We hope our athletes will use this training to deliver top performances and win medals for Sarawak,” Jumaat added.

Previously, some Sarawak Muay Thai athletes trained in Pontianak, Indonesia. The Muay Thai competition at SUKMA XXI will be held from August 15 to 20 at Naim Street Mall @ Bintulu Paragon.