Sukma: Sarawak Sepak Takraw Association sets sight on at least one gold medal from women’s team

BINTULU (Aug 14): The Sarawak Sepak Takraw Association has set sights to win at least a gold medal from the women’s team in Sukma 2024.

The association’s deputy president Hasweera Hassan emphasised the long-term efforts put into building the team.

“We have been forming this team since the beginning of the year, training diligently. With the help of coaches from Thailand and Peninsular Malaysia, and a strong work ethic, we have gained valuable exposure through games across Malaysia.

“After returning from Thailand, we had three weeks of intensive training. This is the team that can become champions this year. We are ready to win Sukma this year.

“With dedicated and disciplined players, we aim to win medals. Our target is gold,” he said.

He was speaking to reporters after the Sarawak women’s sepak takraw team clinched a 2-1 victory over Selangor at Stadium Muhibbah today.

Assistant Chef de Mission for Sarawak Sukma contingent, Iskandar Turkee, was among the enthusiastic crowd cheering for the Sarawak women’s team today.

Speaking to reporters after the game, the Jepak assemblyman said he is confident that the Sarawak men’s team can achieve similar success and win medals for the state as well.

“Watching this intense match between Selangor and Sarawak’s women’s teams was truly exhilarating. I am confident that our Sukma men’s team can achieve great success and bring home medals for Sarawak too,” he said.

He highlighted the importance of international exposure, noting that the team’s training stint in Thailand had paid off.

“The investment in training and exposure has contributed significantly to today’s success. I hope our Sukma Sepak Takraw teams can achieve their medal targets for both men and women,” he said.

Sarawak team coach Thawinis Thongprasert acknowledged the challenges faced in the first match.

“The first match was tough. Every tournament, Selangor proves to be the best team in Malaysia today. We have been working hard, and I want to thank the players and coaching staff for their dedication.

“We will take it game by game to win the next match,” he said.