KUCHING: Sarawak athletes have made a significant contribution to the Malaysian contingent’s medal tally at the 12th Asean Para Games in Cambodia, securing 34 medals.
They won 13 gold, 12 silver and nine bronze medals, making up 27.9 per cent of the total medals collected by the national contingent.
Sarawak Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah expressed her hope that the Sarawak athletes would continue their outstanding performance and defend the state’s championship record as hosts of Sukma (Malaysia Games) 2024.
“Out of the 11 Southeast Asian countries that participated, Malaysia secured the fourth position with a total of 122 medals, including 50 gold, 38 silver and 34 bronze during the Asean Para Games from June 3 to 9. The Malaysian contingent exceeded its medal target of 33 gold, 51 silver and 58 bronze.”
During the celebration of Para Sukma athletes here, Fatimah highlighted the achievements of the Sarawak athletes, including three who set seven new records in various events.
“The Malaysian contingent comprised 144 athletes (116 men, 28 women) who competed in 14 events. Eighteen athletes (13 men, five women) from Sarawak participated in eight events.
“We are proud of our three athletes who set seven new records. They are Muhammad Nur Syaiful Zulkafli, Mohd Adib Iqbal Abdullah and Nicodemus Manggoi Moses.”
She also emphasised the need to enhance talent identification and development to prepare Sarawak’s para-athletes for Sukma 2024.
Fatimah also announced the appointment of Deputy Minister II for Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Mohamad Razi Sitam as the chef de mission for the Sarawak Sukma 2024 contingent. “We are aiming to be the winners again and we will do this with all integrated efforts.”
The ceremony was attended by Deputy Minister I for Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Datuk Rosey Yunus and Sarawak Community Welfare Department director Adana Jed.
