Sarawak Taekwondo scouts emerging talent ahead of Sukma XXII

KUCHING (Jan 22): New talents will be identified from the upcoming Sukan Sarawak (Suksar) IV 2026 and sent for an intensive training camp in Thailand as part of preparations for the Sukan Malaysia (Sukma) XXII this year, said Sarawak Taekwondo Association (STA) president Azizul Annuar Adenan.

The Taekwondo Malaysia president and Tanjong Datu assemblyman said the selected athletes would be grouped carefully before undergoing overseas exposure, to sharpen their technical abilities and mental toughness ahead of the final team selection.

“Our taekwondo athletes in both poomsae and kyorugi have shown remarkable discipline and commitment by continuing their year-round training after the last Sukma Games,” he said in a statement.

He also said that training was progressing steadily at their respective centres and at the Sarawak Sukma Taekwondo Training Centre in Petra Jaya here, under the guidance of foreign coaches from Thailand and South Korea.

“I am especially proud that several of our athletes have advanced to train with the Malaysia national team, reflecting the quality and potential within our programme,” he said.

Looking ahead to Sukma XXII, Azizul said the association remained focused on building both strength and depth within the squad, with Suksar IV serving as an important platform to uncover emerging talents across the state.

He also said Sarawak’s haul of 11 gold, four silver and four bronze medals across poomsae and kyorugi events, including seven gold medals from poomsae and four from kyorugi in previous Sukma was no coincidence.

“The achievements of our team at the last Sukma Games stand as a testament to their hard work and unity,” he said.

He however stressed that no specific medal targets would be imposed on the athletes for the upcoming Sukma, choosing instead to place trust in their preparation and confidence.

“For the coming Sukma XXII, we are not placing the burden of targets on our athletes. Instead, we place our trust in their preparation, confidence and hunger to succeed.”

Given the team’s growth and consistency over the past year, he expressed confidence that Sarawak’s taekwondo athletes would compete with pride and courage, and once again make the state proud on the Sukma stage.

The Sarawak taekwondo team delivered a powerhouse performance during the previous edition of Sukma hosted by Sarawak, emerging as one of the state’s most successful sports contingents.

The team achieved a remarkable total of 11 gold medals, far exceeding their initial target of seven.

This achievement played a pivotal role in Sarawak securing the title of Overall Champion for the first time in 30 years.