Sukma XXI: Sabah Karate Association breaks silence on exclusion of Eidelweiss who delivered gold for Sarawak

KUCHING (Aug 23): The Sabah Karate Association (SKA) has broken its silence regarding athlete selection as the state body congratulated Eidelweiss Franzel Fancey Sami for her achievement in the 21st Malaysia Games (Sukma XXI).

The Sabahan ended Sarawak’s 24-year wait for a Sukma gold medal in karate after she won the women’s +68kg Individual Kumite event.

Eidelweiss’ golden outing for another state sparked debate on the athlete selection process, as she and her brother, Sabah Games (Saga) gold medal winner Frans Evans Fancey Sami, were not selected to represent Sabah in the country’s premier multi-sport event.

SKA said Eidelweiss,  who is a member of Shotokan Karate Association of Sabah (SKAS), represented Kuala Penyu District during Saga 2023.

“She won a silver medal in the female -68Kg Individual Kumite category in SAGA where she lost to Prisca Philip from Tambunan district. This has narrowed down her opportunity to represent Sabah in Sukma 2024 due to the single athlete quota,” said SKA secretary general Julian Chin explained in a statement.

“However, on Feb 8, 2024, Sabah Sports Council (MSN Sabah) received a letter from Majlis Sukan Negeri Sarawak requesting for the release of four Sabah karate athletes, including Eidelweiss Franzel Fancey Sami.

“MSN Sabah and SKA had agreed to allow Eidelweiss Franzel Fancey Sami and the others to seek opportunities with Sarawak to promote more opportunities for young talented Sabahan karate athletes to grow during the prestigious event.

“Other young Sabahan karate athletes who did not make it during the Sabah Games selection due to performance or quota are also seeking opportunities with other states such as Kedah and Terengganu with the approval and purview from SKA and MSN Sabah.”

As for Frans Evans, Julian said they had reached out to SKAS on the matter early this year.

“In regard to Frans Evans Fancey Sami, brother to Eidelweiss Franzel Fancey Sami, who also represented Kuala Penyu District, the issues have already been resolved when Sabah Karate Association had already contacted Shotokan Karate Association of Sabah (SKAS) in January 2024.

“An answer and suggestion was given to the respective (association),” added Julian without elaborating further.

The Sabah karate squad concluded Sukma with two gold, three silver, and six bronze medals to finish third in the medal standing behind the Federal Territories (four gold, one silver, seven bronze) and Johor (three gold, three silver, four bronze).

“We are proud of the athletes’ performance towards achieving their best in Sukma. SKA hopes that more Sabahans will also continue to support and appreciate Sabah karate athletes, coaches, and family who sacrifice their time and dedication to deliver success in Sukma.

“SKA has always been consistent in producing good athletes through various programmes and competitions … athletes’ development is always one of Sabah Karate’s priorities,” Julian added.