Sukma badminton players to undergo centralised training in Sibu

SIBU: Sarawak’s 21st Malaysia Games (Sukma) badminton players will undergo centralised training in Sibu.

According to Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu, among the shuttlers who will undergo training are two under the Pelapis Negara programme in Bukit Jalil.

“They will be coming back early August (to Kuching) and joining our team to train together in Sibu. They are in good spirits. We are hoping that we can convert some of this into our gold medal,” he said.

He said this when met by reporters during his visit to Rejang Park Volleyball Stadium here yesterday (July 17).

Meanwhile, on the indoor volleyball team, Rentap, who is also the Sarawak contingent’s chef de mission, said they are training diligently.

“The women’s team is currently gaining exposure in Thailand. In terms of preparation, they are training morning and evening.

“We want to see their stamina and fitness and improve further. Now (the volleyball team’s preparation) is at 85-86 per cent.”

In the previous Sukma, the men’s volleyball team won gold while the women’s team won bronze.

Sibu Division is set to host three events for Sukma 2024: badminton, volleyball and football, scheduled from Aug 12 to 27.

These events will take place at four venues: Sibu Indoor Stadium (badminton), Rejang Park Volleyball Court (volleyball), Stadium Tun Zaidi Adruce (football), and Azman Hashim Community Sports Centre (football).