Sarawak sanda athletes add 2 more silver medals, wrap up Sukma 2024 Wushu campaign in 4th place

Bong (left) together with the other medal winners in the sanda men’s 52kg category on the podium on Aug 16, 2024.

By Karen Bong

KUCHING, Aug 16: Sarawak’s wushu sanda athletes have secured two more silver medals, raising the State team’s total to three gold, five silver, and four bronze medals as they finished fourth overall at the 21st Malaysian Games (Sukma) 2024 Wushu competition held at the Sarawak Wushu Training Centre in Petra Jaya.

The sanda team’s final push for medals was led by Viviera Junai Justine Jawan in the women’s 56kg category and Hiu Bong Shen in the men’s 52kg category, both of whom delivered silver-medal performances.

Their contributions marked a strong finish for Sarawak in the sanda events.

Melaka emerged as the overall champion of the wushu competition, amassing an impressive seven golds, four silvers, and five bronzes.

Penang claimed the third spot with four golds, four silvers, and five bronzes, edging out Sarawak by a narrow margin.

Viviera (most left on the podium) together with the other medal winners for the sanda women’s 56kg category on Aug 16, 2024.

Sarawak’s gold medals came from the outstanding performance of Stephanie Ngu Chai Ern, who dominated the women’s changquan, jianshu, and qiangshu events, showcasing her skill and determination across multiple disciplines.

In addition to the sanda achievements, the other silver medals were earned by Fong Chai Xin in the women’s gunshu, Carmen Chaw Jia Min in the women’s taijijian, and Belda Chan Zhi Yi in the women’s nandao.

These athletes contributed significantly to Sarawak’s medal tally, reflecting the depth of talent within the team.

The bronze medals were secured by Mok Xiao Yuan in men’s tajijquan, Carmen Chaw Jia Min in women’s taijiquan, and Fung Tai Leong, who excelled in both men’s nanquan and men’s nandao.

Each of these athletes added valuable points to the team’s overall score, helping Sarawak maintain a strong presence in the competition.

Bong (in red) in action during the wushu sanda event at Wushu Training Centre in Petra Jaya.

Viviera (in blue) delivering a punch during the sanda women’s 56kg event at Wushu Training Centre in Petra Jaya.

Sarawak Wushu team manager James Ting lng Seek acknowledged that while the team fell short of the seven-gold target set by the Sarawak Sports Council (SSC), the athletes gave their all and delivered their best performances.

“I am satisfied with the overall performance as there is a noticeable improvement from the previous haul of four silver and six bronze medals at Sukma Kuala Lumpur in 2022,” he said.

Ting also highlighted the increasing competitiveness of the Wushu scene across Malaysia, noting that the standard of competition has risen significantly.

“Medals were more evenly distributed in the taolu events this year, indicating that the level of skill among athletes from various states has improved,” he added.

Despite the challenges, Sarawak’s Wushu athletes have demonstrated resilience and growth, positioning themselves as strong contenders in future competitions. — DayakDaily