Sukma XXI: Taekwondo duo content with last silver, bronze for Sarawak

KUCHING (Aug 20): Maple Law Tsi Eun and Allexandre Axcell Juntan have won the last silver and bronze medals for Sarawak in the Taekwondo duel events of the 21st Malaysia Games (Sukma) on Monday night at the Sarawak Indoor Stadium.

Both had progressed through the preliminary rounds throughout the day in their respective weight classification before continuing their final matches late at night.

It came as a surprise to Law as she was able to bring home a silver medal in spite of making her first appearance at Sukma.

“I was actually very surprised that I can win a silver medal… I came close to bringing home the gold medal,” said the 18-year-old.

Law felt her loss in the finals could be attributed to her stamina and did not rule out taking part in the next Sukma.

“To be honest, I did not even expect myself to be bringing home any medal,” she told reporters after the medals presentation ceremony today.

Adding on, she said that most of her family members from Sibu, including her grandparents, have stayed on in the arena until midnight just to support her in the finals against Norumar Mohd Firdaus @ Kumar Sukalinggam of Perlis.

Law eventually lost the 53kg category duel finals in 0-2.

“I would like to dedicate this medal to my parents because without them, I will not be standing here today,” said Law.

Meanwhile, Allexandre has vowed to continue his training to fight for the gold medal in the next Sukma in 2026 and he also aspired to join the national team one day.

“I have given my best in the semi-finals and although I got a bronze medal this time, I am happy about it,” said the 17-year-old.

Explaining his loss in the semi-finals, he said he was caught off-guard by his opponent’s chop-kick to the head and the resulting loss of points.

Allexandre lost to Fu Ceen Put Thai of Terengganu in the 63kg duel category in 0-2.