Sarawak targets 30 gold medals in athletics

KUCHING: Sarawak is targetting 30 gold medals in athletics in the Para Malaysia Games (SUKMA) XXI, scheduled from September 22 to 28.

Women, Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said that athletics was a crucial sport due to the numerous events contested within it.

“We must aim to secure as many medals as possible in athletics. Our target is 30 gold medals,” she told reporters during a visit to the Sarawak Stadium yesterday (September 2).

Fatimah was meeting athletes who were preparing and training for the Para SUKMA.

She added that the state athletes were well-prepared for the games.

“In terms of accommodation, we are managing it. The same goes for food and training; everything is centralised now,” she said.

Fatimah revealed that central training for the athletes began in early August to ensure they were ready for the big event.

“The athletes train six days a week, with Sunday as their rest day. On Sundays, they can return to their homes, especially if they live nearby,” she said.

Also present were Opar assemblyman Billy Sujang, Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap,Tanjung Batu assemblyman Johnny Pang and political secretary to the Premier of Sarawak Angellie Stephen Raja.