Sukma XXI: Despite first round loss, Sarawak’s men’s softball team optimistic of semi-final chances

MIRI (Aug 15): Sarawak’s 21st Malaysian Games (Sukma) men’s softball team is optimistic of getting into the top four despite losing by one point to Johor in the opening match here this morning.

“Our Sarawak boys, first match was with Johor (this morning) but unfortunately, we lost 9-8. However, they (players) did their best, they did very well but it is just the matter of the slight mistake,” said head coach Aaron Abel Donald.

“Again, this is only the first game but we all are still fighting. Our next match will be tomorrow against Selangor.”

He said the team is targeting to make it to the semi-finals.

“Our target is always to proceed to gold and to proceed to the next round to get to top four.

“If we win the next match, we can proceed to the next stage, to the semi-final then we can fight for final,” he told reporters after the match against Johor at the IKBN Miri field this morning.

“I hope more Sarawakians can come to support us as this is our home ground. We will fight till the end,” he added.

Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Sebatian Ting said he is confident the Sarawak softball team members will give their best.

“They are giving their best. In their mind they are ready to have a wonderful game and to be champions and we wish them the best. I’m here to give them encouragement and support. They have been training very hard,” he said.

“I believe they will give their wonderful best for Sarawak. We have conditioned our minds and we are ready to be champions.”

He praised Sarawak’s softball athletes for their hard work and high team spirit.

“Both the ladies and men have been training very hard indeed, I’m thankful to them.

“They came from all parts of Sarawak and the team spirit is wonderful and I believe, them playing as a team is very important,” he added.

Softball is the opening Sukma event for the Miri cluster.

Other events being held in the city are fencing at Eastwood Valley Golf & Country Club, karate at IKBN Miri, pencak silat at Stadium Bandaraya Miri, rugby at Miri Outdoor Stadium, and sailing at Marina Bay.