Sukma XXI: Harith, Altamis create squash history for Sarawak

KUCHING (Aug 20): National youth players Harith Danial Jefri and Altamis Aqhar Sallam A Sufian etched their names in the record books of Sarawak squash history when they clinched the second gold for the state contingent at the 21st Malaysia Games (Sukma XXI) at the Sarawak Squash Centre in Petra Jaya today.

In the men’s doubles final against Ishant Shah and Dhirren Rajarathinam of Pulau Pinang on Court 7, Harith-Altamis won the first set 11-10 but lost the second 9-11. However, they clinched the gold by winning the deciding set 11-10.

The men’s doubles gold was Sarawak’s second and a historic achievement, as the state has never won more than one gold in previous editions of Sukma.

Sarawak is also on the verge of being crowned overall squash champions after securing two golds and two bronzes. The state’s other bronze was won in the mixed doubles. The final medal standings will be determined when the mixed team competition concludes on Thursday.

“It was a tough final today, and we didn’t take it easy. They (Pulau Pinang) are a very strong team and we didn’t expect much, but only try to give our best and play for the best for Sarawak.

“I think we made too many mistakes in the second set and our opponents felt comfortable and confident and they won the set,” Harith told reporters after the match.

“It was very amazing especially winning this gold for Sarawak and playing in front of the home crowd. Winning it in front of my parents, my family and relatives means a lot to me. That support gave us the motivation to play well.

“This is the first time my mother is watching me play in a major tournament and l feel very proud of myself,” said Harith, who added that he is delighted to have achieved their gold medal target.

On his future plans, Harith said he is going for further studies in the UK, as there are no major tournaments after Sukma.

Altamis also felt grateful for the win, as this was his first Sukma appearance.

“I will be returning to Bukit Jalil National Sports School to continue with my studies and focus on my training,” he said.

Natalie Sim Shu Eng, who won the mixed doubles gold with Harith on Monday, partnered with Whitney Isabelle Wilson to add a bronze to Sarawak medal tally after beating Harleein Tan and Hanesha Veerskumar in straight sets 11-6, 11-3 in the women’s doubles third-fourth placing play-off.

National coach Jess Tay expressed happiness and pride in Harith and Altamis’ achievements in this Sukma, highlighting their strong performance throughout the week.

“Building up to Sukma, Harith played in a few major tournaments since last year to prepare for the challenge,” said Tay, who won Sukma Sarawak 2016 men’s doubles gold with Marcus Sim and mixed doubles silver with Ma Si Yi.

Harith won silver at the Asian Junior Squash Championships and a bronze at the World Junior Squash Championships this year.

“When he goes to UK to further his studies, he will be playing for the university and still be in the MSN programme.

“Harith is a very talented player and l am very sure he can go very far in squash. He is only 18 and can still play for Sarawak in the next Sukma,” said Tay.