KUCHING: Sarawak’s petanque contingent has enjoyed a golden start to the SUKMA XXI Games, with Sharifah Daniamalyana Wan Deros and Farid Amirul Muhammad clinching gold medals in their respective categories yesterday (Aug 19).
Sharifah, 21, from Bintangor, secured the women’s singles title with a 12-6 victory over Melaka’s Saidatul Ummairah Md Dani. This is her first gold medal at the biennial Games after previous quarter-final and semi-final finishes.
“This is my third SUKMA, and I’m thrilled to finally achieve gold. I’m grateful for the support and believe this is just the start,” she said after the medal ceremony at the Santubong Petanque Arena.
Sharifah credited her coach for helping her stay calm during the intense final and expressed her gratitude to all who supported her.
She will next compete in the women’s triple and team events.
Meanwhile, Farid Amirul Muhammad, also 21, from Kampung Semera, claimed the men’s singles gold with a 13-6 win over teammate Alif Zayd Zen.
“This victory is a dream come true for my family. It hasn’t been easy, but hard work pays off,” said Farid.
With this being his final SUKMA, Farid is determined to continue training and aims to qualify for the upcoming SEA Games.
