KUCHING: Sarawak is facing an uphill task in preparing canoeing athletes for Sukma within six months.
While the number of events usually competed in canoeing (kayaking) is 18, the host state of this year’s Sukma (Malaysia Games) Johor has decided to double the number to 36.
Obviously, the move by the host state was to win more gold medals although the decision is not according to the Olympic specifications of 18 events.
Despite facing the odds, Sarawak will still participate in all the events.
Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC) chief executive director Dr Ong Kong Swee said although it is tough due to the short period to prepare the teams, Sarawak will still take the challenge.
“The number of events has been increased to 36 events in this year’s Sukma. There are obstacles but we always take it positively. The athletes are making their preparations but due to the short duration for training, to form a strong team in less than a year is very difficult.
However, we are doing our best to prepare whatever we can. On the appointment of the contingent’s chef de mission, Ong said the minister will bring the matter to the Cabinet meeting before announcing it.
Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said Sarawak will be targeting more than 40 gold medals — almost similar to Johor’s target of 44 golds.
Sarawak’s first phase of centralised training will be held from Feb 11 to June 10, with the athletes camp scheduled at Youth Camp Pueh in Sematan from Mar 21 to 25.
The final Sarawak contingent camp in Kuching will be from Jun 16 to 18.
The Johor Sukma will be held from July 11 to 19 where Sarawak will take part in 32 events comprising compulsory and optional sports.
Compulsory sports include aquatics (swimming and diving) archery, athletics, badminton, cycling, football, gymnastics (artistic and rhythmic) hockey, karate, lawn bowls, tenpin bowling, sailing, shooting, silat, squash and wushu.
Among the optional sports are basketball, boxing, canoeing, cricket, e-sports, golf, judo, muay, netball, petanque, rugby, sepak takraw, tennis, volleyball and weightlifting.
