Squash: Sarawak wins gold in mixed doubles

KUCHING: Representing Sarawak for the second time in the mixed doubles squash event at the SUKMA Championship proved to be lucky for the pair of Harith Danial Jefri – Nathalie Shu Eng Sim, who once again managed to secure the gold medal.

The victory came after they bounced back from a second-set loss to defeat the pair from Melaka, Andrik Kai Shan Lim – Thanusaa Puthrian 11-8, 8-11 and 11-9.

According to Harith, who is also a national youth squash player, this victory is very meaningful for both of them, especially since it is their second win after winning in SUKMA 2022.

“We started well early on and managed to finish well despite only training for a little over a week before the competition, but I have good chemistry playing squash with Nathalie,” he said after the match at the Sarawak Squash Stadium here today (Aug19).

Meanwhile, Nathalie said the victory was very meaningful to her as it marked her final appearance in SUKMA.

“I feel that the support from the public gave us motivation. I think it boosted our spirit to win gold in this championship.

“After this, I will return to the United States (US) to continue my studies, and we will see where my squash career heads from there,” she said.

A psychology student at Colby College, US, Nathalie dominated the squash court with a constant smile throughout the match.

In such an important match, mental strength was the final determinant, she said.

“I just thought that I needed to stay positive and focus on each point because every point matters.

“As I mentioned, every match is tough, and we need to take it one match at a time to help Sarawak win medals,” she added.

Among those present to witness the match were former Tanjong Datu assemblywoman Datuk Amar Jamilah Anu and son, Tanjong Datu assemblyman Azizul Annuar Adenan.

Next, the focus will be on the men’s and women’s doubles categories, where Nathalie and Harith will each hunt for their second gold medal in SUKMA XXI in their respective events.