KUCHING: Sarawak athletes selected from the shortlisted squad for the 21st Malaysia Games (SUKMA) will begin their centralised training in mid-July.
Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu, the chef-de-mission of Sarawak SUKMA 2024, said the athletes are now about 80 per cent ready.
“Of course, we want to be crowned the overall champions as envisioned by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, and Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah,” he said.
He said this when met by reporters after attending the exclusive interview ‘Juh Randau’ produced by the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS) yesterday (June 26).
Rentap said the final medal target will be determined after the shortlist assessment is announced in July.
“After July 2, we can realistically move forward with the implementation. We need to think about how to conduct simulations and whatever else is necessary to ensure victory for Sarawak,” he added.
On the challenges faced by the athletes, he said the main obstacle currently is the SUKMA venues, which are still in the process of being upgraded.
However, he assured that these venues would be available for use by the Sarawak athletes by mid-July, allowing them to acclimatise before SUKMA begins in August.
Also present was UKAS director Samuel Simon.
