Sarawak silambam squad prove doubters wrong with impressive Sukma performance

KUCHING (Aug 22): Sarawak’s silambam squad delivered an impressive performance at the 2024 Malaysia Games (Sukma), defying expectations despite being labelled as no-hopers before the competition.

Team manager Sivanesan Sanmugalingam expressed his pride in the squad’s remarkable achievement of winning two silver and one bronze medal, especially considering their limited preparation time.

He said their success breaks the stereotype that only states from Peninsular Malaysia can excel in this sport.

“I believe our team’s overall performance was outstanding; they gave it everything they had. Most of our athletes started training just seven months ago. We’re not heavyweights like Penang or Perak, but we managed to shock many by showing that Sarawak has a team capable of competing at this level.

“Initially, there were those who doubted our ability, thinking we wouldn’t grasp the game. But we proved them wrong by sending our athletes to gain exposure in five different states.

“With only seven months of preparation, we came close to achieving something extraordinary,” he told reporters at the Hikmah Exchange Event Centre, where the silambam competition for Sukma 2024 is taking place.

Sarawak’s silver medals were secured by Asyraff Aqil Mohamad Zainurrin Azm in the men’s 55kg and below poruthal (combat) event and Hani Qurratu’Ain Samsudin in the women’s over 70kg and above poruthal event.

Sarawak’s bronze, meanwhile, was through Nur Aleesya Zahierah Sali in the women’s 60kg-70kg poruthal event.

The silambam competition offers a total of 14 gold medals. – Bernama